this could get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could get" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a situation may become more intense, complicated, or serious. Example: "If we don't address the issue now, this could get out of hand quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could get fatiguing.

The New York Times - Arts

This could get messy.

The New York Times

This could get pretty crazy".

The New York Times

This could get very depressing.

The New Yorker

This could get ugly quickly.

The New York Times

This could get very complicated.

The New Yorker

This could get awfully interesting.

The New York Times - Sports

This could get ugly.

The Guardian - Business

This could get interesting.

The Guardian - Books

This could get untidy.

The Guardian - Sport

This could get dicey.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this could get" to signal a potential shift in the state of affairs, especially when anticipating negative outcomes or increased complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "this could get" in formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced language is expected. Opt for alternatives that clearly articulate the potential consequences or developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could get" functions as a modal expression used to indicate a future possibility or potential development. As seen in Ludwig, it often precedes an adjective or adverb describing the anticipated state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could get" is a common and versatile phrase used to express a future possibility, often with a negative connotation. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a modal expression, typically used for warnings, predictions, or speculations about potential outcomes. While grammatically correct and widely used, it may be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. When more formality is required, consider alternatives like "it might become" or "the situation may escalate". Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Wiki contexts underscores its widespread use in both journalistic and general informational content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might become

Replaces "this could get" with a more general statement about a future possibility.

it may turn into

Suggests a transformation into something else, similar to "this could get".

it has the potential to be

Emphasizes the inherent possibility within a situation.

it is liable to develop into

Indicates a higher probability of a particular outcome.

the situation might escalate

Specifically refers to a situation becoming more intense or serious.

things may well become

Adds a degree of certainty to the possibility.

it runs the risk of becoming

Highlights the element of risk associated with a potential outcome.

it is not beyond the realms of possibility that it will turn

Suggests that the possibility of something happening can't be excluded.

we may be heading for

Implies a progression toward a specific outcome.

the future of this is

Opens to speculation about a sequence of events to come.

FAQs

How can I use "this could get" in a sentence?

"This could get" is used to indicate a potential development or worsening of a situation. For example, "If we don't address this issue now, "this could get" out of hand quickly."

What are some alternatives to "this could get"?

Alternatives include "it might become", "it may turn into", or "the situation might escalate" depending on the context.

Is "this could get" too informal for professional communication?

While generally acceptable, "this could get" might be considered too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "the situation may become" or "this could potentially lead to".

What's the difference between "this could get" and "this might get"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "this could get" implies a slightly higher probability or imminence compared to "this might get". Both express possibility, but "could" often suggests a more realistic or likely scenario.