accentuate the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accentuate the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how to highlight or emphasize an issue or difficulty in a situation. Example: "The recent data breaches will only accentuate the problem of security in our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The ageing of China's population will accentuate the problem.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But his trip seemed only to accentuate the problems.

The New York Times

In 1707, when Aurangzeb died, serious threats from the peripheries had begun to accentuate the problems at the core of the empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The contrast with Democrats is only accentuating the problem Republicans have.

The New York Times

Side note: I am certain this can only have accentuated the problem.

Independent

German unification, which left the economy of the East in tatters, accentuated the problem as children became a financial hardship.

The New York Times

It wouldn't be accentuating the problem of debt overhang, or creating the conditions for yet another boom-and-bust cycle.

The New Yorker

"This ill-guided emphasis on doing things quickly, rather than well, has certainly accentuated the problem of error," Dr. Ludmerer said.

The New York Times - Science

Douarnenez's position at the mouth of the Pouldavid Estuary and the eastern extreme of a tidal bay has accentuated the problem here.

The New York Times

Road-traffic congestion has accentuated the problem, and the cost of delay has become critical in the economic comparison of air and surface transportation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Poor coverage, even for those in cities, accentuates the problem of relative poverty amongst the elderly," the O.E.C.D. said in a report.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accentuate the problem" when you want to emphasize that something is making an existing issue more noticeable or severe. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Common error

While "accentuate the problem" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "worsen" or "highlight" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accentuate the problem" functions as a verb phrase, where 'accentuate' is the transitive verb and 'the problem' is its direct object. It describes the act of making a problem more noticeable or prominent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accentuate the problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that means to make an existing issue more noticeable or severe. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable for use in written English. It is commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. Related phrases include "exacerbate the problem" and "intensify the problem". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the context and avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "worsen" or "highlight" may be more suitable for less formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacerbate the problem

Implies making the problem worse or more severe.

intensify the problem

Suggests increasing the strength or degree of the problem.

worsen the problem

Indicates a decline in the condition, making the problem more negative.

aggravate the problem

Similar to exacerbate, implying an increase in the seriousness of the issue.

heighten the problem

Implies raising the level or intensity of the problem.

magnify the problem

Suggests making the problem appear larger or more significant.

underscore the problem

Emphasizes the importance or severity of the problem.

emphasize the problem

Highlights the significance and draws attention to the problem.

highlight the problem

Similar to emphasize, but focuses on making the problem more visible.

draw attention to the problem

Focuses on making others aware of the problem's existence or severity.

FAQs

How can I use "accentuate the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "accentuate the problem" to describe how a specific action or situation makes an existing issue more noticeable or severe. For example: "The lack of funding will only "accentuate the problem" of understaffing."

What are some alternatives to "accentuate the problem"?

Alternatives include "exacerbate the problem", "intensify the problem", or highlight the problem depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "accentuate the problem" or "solve the problem"?

These phrases have opposite meanings. "Accentuate the problem" means to make the problem more noticeable or severe, while "solve the problem" means to find a solution. The correct phrase depends on the context.

What is the difference between "accentuate the problem" and "address the problem"?

"Accentuate the problem" means to make an existing problem more noticeable or severe. "Address the problem" means to take action to resolve or deal with the problem. They are not interchangeable.