this can get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can get" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a situation has the potential to become more intense, complicated, or serious. Example: "If we don't address the issue soon, this can get out of hand very quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deciphering this can get confusing.

The New York Times

"This can get pretty mesmerizing.

The New York Times - Travel

"This can get pretty esoteric".

The New York Times - Tech

This can get us through the entree.

The New York Times - Books

"This can get better," says Dr. Scarella.

Harvard University

Maybe this can get us going.

The New York Times - Sports

Watch out, though, this can get nasty.

The Guardian - Sport

Be warned: this can get messy.

The Guardian

This can get done in Richmond.

The Washington Post

This can get tedious for the non-fanatic.

The New York Times - Arts

This can get dangerous — and create a liquidity situation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this can get" to signal a potential change or escalation in a situation, prompting the reader to consider possible outcomes or consequences.

Common error

While versatile, "this can get" can become repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary by using alternatives like "this could become" or "the situation might escalate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can get" functions as a connector, linking a current situation to a potential future state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses the possibility of a development or change, often implying an increase in intensity or complexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this can get" is a versatile connector used to indicate the potential for a situation to evolve, often implying increased complexity or intensity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in news, media and wiki contexts. While very common, diversifying with synonyms such as "this might become" or "the situation could escalate" can enhance your writing. Remember to consider the nuance you wish to convey and choose the phrasing that best fits the context. Using "this can get" effectively will make your writing more engaging and insightful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might become

Emphasizes the possibility of evolving into a specific state.

this could turn into

Highlights the potential for transformation into something different.

this may evolve into

Suggests a gradual development into a more complex situation.

this has the potential to become

Explicitly states the inherent possibility for further development.

this is liable to develop into

Indicates a probability of progression into a particular state.

the situation might escalate

Focuses on a potential increase in intensity or seriousness.

the situation could worsen

Highlights the possibility of a decline in condition or quality.

the situation may deteriorate

Suggests a gradual decline towards a negative state.

things might spiral out of control

Implies a loss of control and an unpredictable, negative progression.

things could take a turn for the worse

Indicates an expected shift towards a less favorable outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this can get" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives such as "this may become", "this has the potential to become", or "this could evolve into". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

What's the difference between "this can get" and "this will get"?

"This can get" indicates a possibility or potential for something to happen, while "this will get" expresses a higher degree of certainty or inevitability. Use "this can get" when you want to highlight a possible outcome, and "this will get" when you are more confident about the result.

When is it appropriate to use "this can get" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "this can get" when you want to suggest a potential development or change in a situation. It's suitable in various contexts, from informal discussions to more formal analyses, where highlighting possibilities is important. However, be mindful of overusing it and consider "this might become" or similar phrases for variety.

Are there situations where "this can get" is not suitable?

While versatile, "this can get" might not be suitable in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise term is needed. Also, if you want to express absolute certainty, using "this will get" or other definitive statements would be more appropriate. Consider the nuance you want to convey and choose the wording that best matches the context.