sharp escalation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp escalation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and significant increase in intensity, severity, or magnitude of a situation or issue. Example: "The sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries has raised concerns about potential conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His letter represents a sharp escalation in the row between Miliband and the Mail group.

The Guardian

Recent months have seen a sharp escalation of high-profile, illegal weapons trials.

The Guardian

After months of scattered demonstrations, the large turnout marked a sharp escalation of the mobilization.

The Washington Post

But Friday's violence south of Phnom Penh, the capital, was a sharp escalation in the unrest.

The New York Times

Most important, the failure of Clinton's appeasement is revealed in China's sharp escalation of military threats to Taiwan.

The New York Times

If Mahmoud Abbas introduces cases against Israel, that will likely trigger a further sharp escalation in tensions.

The Guardian

Parallel to this technological change there has been a sharp escalation in costs regarding the new generations of jet fighter aircraft.

Research Policy

Suicide rates among middle-aged men and women in the U.S. have been increasing since 1999, with a sharp escalation since 2007.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

The largest metropolitan áreas in Latin-America are witnessing a sharp escalation of urban violence and the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City is not the exception.

Investigaciones Geográficas, Boletín del Instituto de Geografía

One way to appreciate the sharp escalation of conflict in Indonesia is to compare pre-1998 and post-1998 rates of attacks on places of worship.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a sharp escalation of violence, Israeli tanks shelled Palestinian police posts in the West Bank today in response to attacks against Israelis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp escalation" to describe situations where a previously stable or gradually changing situation experiences a sudden and significant increase in intensity or severity. For example, "a sharp escalation in violence".

Common error

Avoid using "sharp escalation" to describe gradual or predictable changes. The phrase implies a sudden and unexpected shift, not a steady progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp escalation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement, denoting a sudden and significant increase or intensification of a specific condition or activity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate to use in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharp escalation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a sudden and significant increase or intensification of a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, conveying urgency and concern about a deteriorating situation. While alternatives like "sudden surge" or "rapid increase" exist, "sharp escalation" provides a concise and impactful way to communicate a notable change. It's important to reserve its use for truly sudden and significant changes, rather than gradual progressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden surge

Focuses on the abrupt nature of the increase.

rapid increase

Emphasizes the speed of the growth.

marked intensification

Highlights the degree to which something is becoming more intense.

abrupt upturn

Suggests a sudden change in direction upwards.

drastic rise

Implies a significant and potentially alarming increase.

steep climb

Conveys a sharp, upward trajectory.

quantum leap

Indicates a substantial and transformative increase.

geometric progression

Highlights an exponential rate of increase.

exponential growth

Emphasizes the rapid acceleration of increase.

radical upswing

Signifies a fundamental and positive shift upwards.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp escalation" in a sentence?

The phrase "sharp escalation" is used to describe a sudden and significant increase in something, typically something negative like violence or tension. For example, "The region witnessed a "sharp escalation" in conflict after the treaty collapsed".

What are some alternatives to "sharp escalation"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "sudden surge", "rapid increase", or "marked intensification" as alternatives to "sharp escalation".

Is "sharp escalation" formal or informal language?

"Sharp escalation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news reports, academic papers, and general discussions.

Which is the correct way to phrase it: "sharp escalation of" or "sharp escalation in"?

Both "sharp escalation of" and "sharp escalation in" are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the specific noun following the phrase. For example, "sharp escalation of violence" and "sharp escalation in prices" are both common.