Set phrase “越来越”
In Chinese, the set phrase 越来越 (yuè lái yuè) is placed before adjectives or psychological verbs to indicate that a quality, trait, or feeling is increasing progressively over time. In English, it translates to “more and more...” or “-er and -er” (e.g., taller and taller, more and more beautiful).
Grammar Rules
1. Progressive Change Over Time: Expresses a continuous increase in degree as time passes.
2. Suitable Words: Used with adjectives (e.g., 多, 高, 漂亮) or psychological, emotional verbs (心理动词: 喜欢, 想, 爱).
3. No Degree Adverbs Allowed: Because 越来越 already expresses an intensified degree, you cannot place additional degree adverbs such as 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 太 (tài) after it.
Grammar Structure
Subject + 越来越 + Adjective / Psychological Verb + (了)
Examples
前面的人越来越多。
It's getting more and more crowded up ahead.
我越来越喜欢这里的生活了。
I like living here more and more.
她越来越高，也越来越漂亮了。
She is growing taller and taller, and becoming more and more beautiful.
Important Note
Do NOT add degree adverbs: Writing “越来越很漂亮” is grammatically incorrect. It must simply be “越来越漂亮”.
The Particle “了”: The modal particle 了 (le) is frequently used at the end of the sentence to emphasize a change of state or a new situation (e.g., 越来越喜欢了).