sharply escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharply escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is increasing rapidly or significantly, often in a negative context. Example: "The conflict in the region has been sharply escalating over the past few months, leading to increased tensions among neighboring countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Young migrants say they are fleeing sharply escalating criminal violence in their home countries.

The New York Times

But things have changed at HBO, which like every other television company, is dealing with sharply escalating program costs.

The New York Times

City officials contend that strict enforcement, including sharply escalating penalties, is necessary to keep the sidewalks and streets orderly and to protect law-abiding merchants.

The New York Times

Led by Commissioner Gary Bettman, the league's owners demanded what they called cost certainty in the face of sharply escalating player salaries.

The New York Times

But ratings, not critical praise, are becoming the standard for judging success at HBO, which is dealing with sharply escalating program costs and pressure to increase profits.

The New York Times

JERUSALEM — Hamas militants fired dozens of mortar shells from Gaza into southern Israel during a 15-minute period on Saturday morning, slightly injuring two Israeli civilians and sharply escalating tensions along the Israel-Gaza border.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

In late summer, the White House sharply escalated the nuclear rhetoric.

The New Yorker

After the November attack in Nangarhar, coalition forces sharply escalated training of Afghan counterintelligence agents.

The New York Times

The arrival of the presidential jet has sharply escalated Yemen's interminable problems.

The Guardian

At the same time, he was monitoring events in Turkey, where street violence sharply escalated over the weekend.

The New York Times

Alarmed by evidence that these abuses have sharply escalated since the alleged coup in February, international condemnation has intensified.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharply escalating" to describe situations where there is a clear and rapid increase in something, especially when it has negative implications. For instance, "sharply escalating costs" or "sharply escalating tensions".

Common error

Avoid using "sharply escalating" to describe static or unchanging conditions. This phrase implies a dynamic process of rapid increase, so it's unsuitable for situations that are constant or stable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharply escalating" functions as a verb phrase modifier, indicating the manner and direction of change. It emphasizes the rapid and significant increase of something, as seen in Ludwig examples such as "sharply escalating program costs".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharply escalating" is a commonly used expression, particularly in News & Media contexts, to describe a situation that is rapidly increasing or intensifying. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is best used when describing a clear and rapid increase, often with negative implications. Alternative phrases include "rapidly increasing" or "steeply rising". While versatile, it should not be used in static contexts. The high source quality and consistent usage suggest that "sharply escalating" is a reliable and effective phrase for conveying rapid intensification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapidly increasing

Focuses on the speed of the increase, similar to "sharply escalating" but less emphasis on negative connotations.

steeply rising

Emphasizes the magnitude of the increase, implying a significant upward trend.

quickly intensifying

Highlights the growing intensity or severity of a situation.

drastically surging

Suggests a sudden and significant increase, often unexpected.

markedly amplifying

Implies a noticeable and considerable increase in effect or impact.

exponentially growing

Indicates a very rapid increase where the rate of increase is also increasing.

noticeably worsening

Focuses on the negative aspect of the increase, highlighting a decline in quality or condition.

substantially accelerating

Emphasizes the increased pace or speed of something already in motion.

significantly mounting

Highlights the increasing accumulation or build-up of something, such as pressure or costs.

progressively exacerbating

Suggests a gradual worsening or intensification of a problem or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "sharply escalating" in a sentence?

Use "sharply escalating" to describe a situation that is rapidly increasing in intensity or amount, such as "sharply escalating costs" or "sharply escalating tensions".

What are some alternatives to "sharply escalating"?

You can use alternatives such as "rapidly increasing", "steeply rising", or "quickly intensifying" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sharply escalating" or should I use another phrase?

"Sharply escalating" is correct and commonly used in English to describe a rapid increase. Its appropriateness depends on the context, but it is generally acceptable.

What is the difference between "sharply escalating" and "gradually increasing"?

"Sharply escalating" implies a rapid and significant increase, while "gradually increasing" suggests a slower, more incremental rise. The choice depends on the rate of change you want to emphasize.