things are heating up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are heating up" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that an activity or situation is intensifying or becoming more intense. For example, "The competition is getting closer to the finish line and things are heating up!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Just as things are winding down in camp, things are heating up out in the clearing.

The New York Times

O.K., things are heating up, because I fucking look like Thor!

The New Yorker

Eloise Velijovic is a student at the university, and is at the scene: Things are heating up now, and more people are getting involved.

The Guardian

SCORECARD -- No close watcher of campaign advertising will be particularly surprised that things are heating up as the tight contest enters its final weekend.

The New York Times

"Things are heating up in such a way that it could quickly lead to a break-off of negotiations," Manuel Marulanda, the group's founder, said on Sunday in a rare interview with reporters.

The New York Times

But the primary reason behind the pope's visit – to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia – means that Pope Francis is making an appearance just as things are heating up in the 2016 White House race.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

We also want to award one honorable mention… Geraldine R: The 2012 presidential election, Things are heated up with the Republican selection.

The New York Times

Things were heating up.

The Guardian - Books

For ordinary working people, things were heating up too.

The Guardian - Opinion

On a cold Saturday morning on October 13, things were heating up in the 7thfloor of Clark Hall.

Cornell University

Just as Iran's cultural production was being stymied, things were heating up in Nigeria, where cross-pollination had been going on for years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things are heating up" to create a sense of urgency or excitement, particularly when describing events that are building towards a climax. For example, in sports writing or business reports, it can effectively convey increasing competition or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "things are heating up" too frequently in a single piece of writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound predictable. Instead, vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "the situation is escalating" or "activity is picking up" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "things are heating up" is to act as an idiomatic expression functioning as a statement or observation. Ludwig examples showcase its use to describe a situation's increasing intensity or excitement. It's often used to summarize a developing scenario.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science & Research

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things are heating up" is a very common idiomatic expression used to describe a situation becoming more intense, exciting, or competitive. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, appearing frequently in news and media. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "things are intensifying". Remember to avoid overuse to maintain freshness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Things are intensifying

Focuses on the increasing intensity of a situation, slightly more formal.

Tensions are rising

Specifically indicates growing tension or conflict.

The situation is escalating

Implies a more serious or potentially negative increase in tension or activity.

The pressure is mounting

Highlights the increase in pressure or stress in a given situation.

Activity is picking up

Suggests an increase in the pace or amount of activity, less focused on tension.

The pot is boiling

A more intense, emotional sense of something heating up or intensifying.

The ball is rolling

Suggests that something has started and is gaining momentum.

Events are unfolding rapidly

Focuses on the speed at which events are progressing.

The plot thickens

Suggests that a situation is becoming more complicated or mysterious.

The game is afoot

Implies the start of an exciting or challenging endeavor, often used in a playful or dramatic context.

FAQs

What does "things are heating up" mean?

The phrase "things are heating up" means that a situation is becoming more intense, exciting, or competitive. It suggests that activity is increasing and events are progressing rapidly.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "things are heating up"?

It's appropriate to use "things are heating up" when you want to convey a sense of growing excitement, urgency, or tension in a situation. It works well in contexts such as sports, business, or dramatic storytelling.

What can I say instead of "things are heating up"?

You can use alternatives like "things are intensifying", "the situation is escalating", or "activity is picking up" depending on the context.

Is "things are heating up" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "things are heating up" is generally considered an informal expression. While it can be used in news and media contexts, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or academic writing.