Breakdown of Эта угроза постоянно усиливается!
этот
this [f: эта, n: это]
постоянно
constantly
угроза
threat
усиливаться
to intensify
Questions & Answers about Эта угроза постоянно усиливается!
I thought this lesson was about using всё + a comparative. Why isn't that structure used in this sentence?
This sentence achieves a similar meaning by using a verb that naturally implies a progressive increase: усиливаться (to intensify) paired with the adverb постоянно (constantly). If you wanted to use the всё + comparative structure from this lesson, you could rephrase it using the comparative form of сильный (strong): Эта угроза становится всё сильнее! (This threat is getting stronger and stronger!).
What is the root of the verb усиливается?
It is built around the root found in the noun сила (strength) and the adjective сильный (strong). The prefix у- combined with the suffix -ива- turns this root into an imperfective verb meaning "to make stronger" or "to intensify".
Why does усиливается need the reflexive -ся ending here?
The -ся ending shows that the action is happening to the subject itself (intransitive). Without it, усиливать means "to strengthen [something else]". Because the threat is getting stronger on its own rather than strengthening another object, we must use the reflexive усиливаться.
Could I use всё время instead of постоянно here?