things get heated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things get heated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where emotions or tensions rise, often during a discussion or argument. Example: "During the debate, things got heated as both sides passionately defended their viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

And this is where things get heated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes two purveyors will find themselves on the same turf and things get heated.

The New York Times

One rule teenagers must follow while on this ice is no swearing -- a tough demand when things get heated.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When you're making a movie at this pace, sometimes things get heated," explained Mr. Antin, who said that he and Mr. Culpepper have "always had a relationship of high drama, so for us it wasn't any different".

The New York Times

They present their arguments cleanly, with little fuss, and then, when things get heated, the baldheaded Kreon (Stephen Duff Webber) pulls his hand back theatrically and gives someone a slap.

The New York Times

Inspired by the somewhat feral behaviour of Luis Suarez, Will Ferrell has threatened (we think jokingly but it's difficult to tell) to "bite every tournament player" if things get heated during the USA's World Cup match against Germany at 5pm today.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"At times things got heated.

The New York Times

"Things got heated pretty quickly," Mr. Guha acknowledged.

The New York Times

In 2002, when the collective bargaining agreement was nearing its expiration, things got heated.

The New York Times

No way: she'd call her a bigot, an asshole, or maybe, if things got heated, a slur with its own nasty history, "white trash".

The New Yorker

"Things got heated up in several parts of the supply chain and we are in a burn-off period," Mr. Growney said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things get heated" to describe situations where discussions or debates become intense and emotionally charged. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it when describing literal temperature increases.

Common error

Avoid using "things get heated" to describe literal increases in temperature. This phrase is specifically for describing heightened emotions or tension, not physical heat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things get heated" functions as an idiomatic expression, describing a situation where tension, conflict, or excitement intensifies. It's frequently used in narratives to depict a rise in emotional intensity, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things get heated" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where tension, emotions, or conflict intensifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, it’s best suited for informal to semi-formal settings, with more formal contexts potentially benefiting from alternative expressions. When using "things get heated", ensure you're referring to emotional or situational intensity rather than a literal increase in temperature to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tensions rise

Focuses on the increase in emotional strain or conflict.

emotions flare

Highlights the sudden and intense expression of feelings.

tempers fray

Suggests that patience is wearing thin, leading to irritability.

disagreements escalate

Emphasizes the growth of conflict in a discussion.

arguments intensify

Highlights the increasing strength and fervor of a debate.

conflicts arise

Focuses on the emergence of discord or opposition.

situations intensify

Indicates an increase in the severity or complexity of a situation.

stakes are raised

Highlights the increased risk or reward involved in a situation.

controversy ignites

Suggests the sudden and widespread outbreak of disagreement.

battle lines are drawn

Emphasizes the clear division and opposition between groups.

FAQs

How can I use "things get heated" in a sentence?

You can use "things get heated" to describe situations where emotions or tensions rise, such as "During the debate, "things got heated" as both sides passionately defended their viewpoints."

What does "things get heated" mean?

"Things get heated" is an idiomatic expression that means a situation becomes intense, emotionally charged, or argumentative.

What can I say instead of "things get heated"?

You can use alternatives like "tensions rise", "emotions flare", or "tempers fray" depending on the context.

Is "things get heated" formal or informal?

"Things get heated" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "tensions escalate".