to intensify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to intensify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of making something stronger or more intense, such as emotions, colors, or actions. Example: "The coach's motivational speech was designed to intensify the team's focus before the big game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is possible to intensify.

BBC

They need to intensify now".

The New York Times

"We are prepared to intensify the response".

The New York Times

The race is about to intensify.

The New Yorker

The drive to intensify production is misguided.

The New York Times

Frustration is likely to intensify.

The New York Times

That's only likely to intensify.

The Guardian

Look for that trend to intensify this year.

The New York Times

They are only going to intensify.

The Guardian - Opinion

In private, Facebook's efforts began to intensify.

The Guardian - Tech

The psychosis only seems to intensify.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to intensify", consider the specific context. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the process of making something stronger or more extreme over time. For example, "The pressure is expected to intensify as the deadline approaches".

Common error

Avoid using "to intensify" when a simpler verb like "to strengthen" or "to increase" would suffice. "To intensify" implies a process or progression, so it's less appropriate for describing a state or condition. Instead of saying "The color was trying to intensify", use "The color was very intense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to intensify" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically acts as a complement to auxiliary verbs (e.g., "is going to intensify") or as part of an infinitive clause, as shown by Ludwig. It describes an action or process of becoming more intense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to intensify" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe the process of something becoming stronger or more extreme. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for various contexts, it is more suitable to neutral professional context. Related phrases such as "to heighten" and "to deepen" offer similar but nuanced alternatives. When using "to intensify", ensure it aligns with the context of progressive change rather than static states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to heighten

Focuses on elevating or increasing something to a higher level.

to deepen

Suggests making something more profound or intense, often in an emotional or abstract sense.

to amplify

Implies increasing the magnitude or effect of something, often used in technical contexts.

to escalate

Specifically refers to increasing the intensity or severity of a situation, often a conflict.

to reinforce

Emphasizes strengthening or supporting something to make it more resistant or effective.

to strengthen

Indicates making something physically or metaphorically stronger.

to enhance

Suggests improving the quality or desirability of something.

to magnify

Implies making something appear larger or more significant than it actually is.

to step up

Indicates an increase in effort or activity towards a specific goal.

to compound

Refers to adding to or increasing something, often with negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "to intensify" in a sentence?

You can use "to intensify" to describe the act of making something stronger or more extreme. For example, "The storm is expected "to intensify" overnight", or "The company plans "to intensify" its marketing efforts".

What are some alternatives to "to intensify"?

Alternatives to "to intensify" include "to heighten", "to deepen", "to amplify", "to escalate", or "to reinforce". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the situation began to intensify"?

Yes, "the situation began "to intensify"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It indicates that the situation is becoming more serious or extreme.

What's the difference between "to intensify" and "to strengthen"?

"To strengthen" generally means to make something more robust or resilient, while "to intensify" means to increase its degree or force. For example, you might "strengthen" a building's foundation, but "intensify" a feeling or emotion.