spiral out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spiral out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean that something is growing or expanding in an uncontrolled or unpredictable manner. For example, "The conflict began to spiral out of control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could easily spiral out of control".

The Guardian - Business

"It tends to spiral out," said Mr. Huhne.

The New York Times

From Jenny Ijub's arrival, events spiral out in several directions.

The New York Times - Books

Even controlled devaluations like the ones announced today can easily spiral out of control.

The New York Times

Then they spiral out counterclockwise.

Los Angeles Times

The story started to spiral out from there.

Los Angeles Times

Overwhelming credit card debt can easily spiral out of control.

Huffington Post

It's kind of a mirror image of Paris' 20 arrondissements, which spiral out clockwise.

Los Angeles Times

On holiday, things spiral out of control.

The Guardian - Tech

Things soon spiral out of control.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Sometimes, the symptoms can spiral out of control.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spiral out" to vividly describe situations where problems quickly worsen or expand beyond initial expectations. For instance, use it when discussing debt, conflicts, or even rumors to emphasize their uncontrolled nature.

Common error

Avoid using "spiral out" in contexts that imply positive or neutral expansion. This phrase typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a loss of control and undesirable outcomes. Opt for words like "expand" or "grow" in positive scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spiral out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing how a situation, event, or condition is changing, often in a negative way. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spiral out" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes a situation or event worsening quickly and uncontrollably. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted, primarily in news and media contexts. While its connotation is generally negative, it effectively communicates the rapid escalation of problems, conflicts, or other undesirable situations. For alternative expressions, consider options like "get out of hand" or "escalate", but always be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid using it in positive contexts, as it typically implies a loss of control. In essence, "spiral out" is a powerful way to depict runaway scenarios, provided it aligns with the intended negative implication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go out of control

This highlights a loss of governance and direction, focusing on the unruly trajectory.

get out of hand

This phrase emphasizes the loss of control over a situation, similar to "spiral out".

expand uncontrollably

This directly reflects the uncontrolled growth aspect of "spiral out".

escalate

This alternative focuses on the intensity of increase or spread, highlighting the worsening condition.

become unmanageable

This indicates that a situation has grown too large or complex to handle effectively.

unravel

This indicates that a system or plan is falling apart or disintegrating.

spread rapidly

This describes the quick expansion or dissemination of something, often with negative connotations.

deteriorate

This implies a decline from a previous, better state.

develop rapidly

It focuses on accelerating, fast-paced evolution into something potentially critical.

get worse

This offers a simple and direct way to express a decline in condition or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "spiral out" in a sentence?

The phrase "spiral out" is typically used to describe situations that are rapidly worsening or becoming uncontrollable. For example, "The political situation began to "spiral out" after the controversial decision."

What's a good alternative to "spiral out of control"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "get out of hand", "become unmanageable", or "escalate" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "spiral out" in a positive context?

While grammatically correct, "spiral out" usually carries a negative connotation. It's better suited for describing undesirable situations that are worsening quickly. Use alternatives like "expand" or "grow" for positive contexts.

What causes a situation to "spiral out"?

A situation might ""spiral out"" due to a variety of factors, including poor decision-making, lack of control, external pressures, or a combination of these. The underlying cause often involves a chain reaction that amplifies the initial problem.