worsened substantially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worsened substantially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that has deteriorated significantly over time. Example: "The patient's health has worsened substantially since the last check-up, requiring immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Poverty and inequality worsened substantially in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s in these countries.

The Lancet

But crime, the cost of living and the problem of housing have all worsened substantially since Mr Chávez came to power, he says.

The Economist

While Air Force leaders have publicly bemoaned a lack of personnel and resources, they have said little about the high number of drone crashes, a long-standing vulnerability that worsened substantially last year.

The Washington Post

Schwarzenegger said the Golden State's financial crisis has worsened substantially in recent weeks, with the projected budget deficit growing $3.6 billion, to $14.8 billion.

Forbes

For example, U.S. newspaper companies were just developing viable response strategies to the plethora of emerging disruptors in their market when the economic situation worsened substantially in the second half of 2008.

Forbes

22 November: The hospital announces that Litvinenko's condition has worsened substantially.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But that ratio worsens substantially in the fourth quarter: Oklahoma City ranks 29th in the metric, producing 1.3 more turnovers per 100 possessions in the final 12 minutes than it does the rest of the game.

The Washington Post

But it is an average over the entire planet, representing an immense amount of added heat, and is only the beginning of a trend that most experts believe will worsen substantially.

The New York Times - Science

America's already high rates of poverty and income inequality -- numbers which have been exacerbated by tax, trade and labor policies benefiting the few at the expense of the majority -- would worsen substantially, something that'd be just fine with the Republicans.

Huffington Post

"Given the clear link between her capture and incarceration and the emergence of severe psychological symptoms (both during her incarceration and continuing, even seven months after her release) there is little doubt that Ms. Shourd's symptoms would worsen substantially if she were forced to return to Iran and face criminal sanctions," Rosenfeld wrote.

Huffington Post

When cytarabine is used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, nausea and vomiting can worsen substantially.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worsened substantially" to emphasize a significant deterioration or decline in a situation, condition, or performance. It is appropriate when a noticeable negative change has occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "worsened substantially" in very casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or technical in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "got a lot worse" or "really declined" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worsened substantially" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a past tense verb modified by an adverb. It describes a state or condition that has deteriorated to a significant degree. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worsened substantially" is a grammatically sound way to describe a significant decline, often used in formal and professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not overly common, it effectively communicates a marked deterioration. As evidenced by examples, it is frequently used in news reports and scientific publications to describe declines in areas such as economics, health, and security. Alternatives like "deteriorated significantly" and "declined sharply" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When communicating about severe decline in a formal way, consider using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorated significantly

Emphasizes the process of becoming worse, highlighting the extent of the decline.

declined sharply

Focuses on the sudden and rapid nature of the downturn.

markedly deteriorated

Highlights the noticeable extent of the decline.

considerably degraded

Emphasizes the reduction in quality or condition.

seriously declined

Emphasizes the severity of the downturn.

noticeably worsened

Focuses on the perceptibility of the decline.

suffered a major setback

Highlights a significant negative event causing a decline.

spiraled downward

Implies a continuous and accelerating decline.

took a turn for the worse

Indicates a change from a stable or improving condition to a declining one.

gone downhill rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and direction of the deterioration.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "worsened substantially" in writing?

The phrase "worsened substantially" is suitable when describing a significant decline or deterioration in a formal or professional context, such as reports, academic papers, or news articles. It emphasizes the degree of negative change.

What are some alternatives to "worsened substantially"?

Alternatives include "deteriorated significantly", "declined sharply", or "markedly deteriorated". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "worsened substantially" formal or informal?

"Worsened substantially" leans towards the formal side. Simpler phrases like "got much worse" are better suited for informal conversations.

How does "worsened substantially" compare to "slightly worsened"?

"Worsened substantially" indicates a major negative change, while "slightly worsened" implies a minor deterioration. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you're describing.