add to the difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "add to the difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing factors or situations that make a task or problem more challenging. Example: "The unexpected weather conditions will add to the difficulty of the rescue operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

To add to the difficulty, McIver felt that her literary luck had changed very suddenly.

The Guardian

The small patient sample sizes and varying male populations also add to the difficulty in comparing studies.

Urologic Clinics of North America

Trends in population migration and the Forest Service's own policies add to the difficulty of combating the fires, Mr. Kitchens said.

The New York Times

The vaccines must be kept refrigerated, and three doses are normally given over six months — requirements that add to the difficulty of deploying them in poor countries.

The New York Times - Health

Ruling out one of the major low-carbon technology options currently available is bound to add to the difficulty and the risk of what is already looking like a very tough challenge.

The Guardian

The study, which looks at data covering five years to 2004, says that the features of the English school admissions system add to the difficulty facing parents over their choice of school.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

To add to the difficulties, the naval assault on Fort Donelson was easily repulsed.

The New York Times

This is no easy task against determined opponents.Jurisdictional quirks add to the difficulties.

The Economist

To add to the difficulties of proving abuse, investigations have had to rely on co-operation between different law enforcement agencies and independent charities.

The Guardian

To add to the difficulties, Eurotunnel said it was only accepting passengers with pre-booked tickets from Calais on Sunday night.

The Guardian - Travel

If you put pressure on yourself to feel positive when you don't, that will add to the difficulties you have.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "add to the difficulty" when you want to emphasize that a new factor is making an already challenging situation even harder. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "add to the difficulty" can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "increase the complexity" or "compound the challenge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "add to the difficulty" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an action that increases the level of challenge or complication of something. Ludwig AI validates this usage, demonstrating its grammatical correctness across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "add to the difficulty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of increasing the challenge or complication of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, from news reports and scientific papers to general writing. While its use is encouraged when accuracy is important, consider varying the language to avoid repetition, using alternatives like "increase the complexity" or "compound the challenge".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make it more challenging

Directly states that something is becoming more difficult.

make it harder

Simple and direct way to express increasing difficulty.

increase the complexity

Focuses on making something more intricate or involved.

complicate matters further

Implies that existing complications are being increased.

compound the challenge

Highlights the addition of further difficulties.

exacerbate the problem

Implies making an existing issue worse.

intensify the problem

Focuses on making a problematic situation stronger or more acute.

aggravate the situation

Suggests worsening the existing circumstances.

heighten the struggle

Emphasizes the intensification of effort against an obstacle.

add fuel to the fire

Idiomatic expression indicating the worsening of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "add to the difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "add to the difficulty" to explain how a specific factor or event makes a task or situation more challenging. For example, "The unexpected rain will "add to the difficulty" of climbing the mountain."

What are some alternatives to "add to the difficulty"?

Some alternatives include "increase the complexity", "exacerbate the problem", or "compound the challenge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "add to the difficulty" or "add to the difficulties"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "add to the difficulty" is generally used when referring to a general sense of challenge, while "add to the difficulties" is used when referring to specific challenges. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "add to the difficulty" and "make it more challenging"?

"Add to the difficulty" implies that there's already a level of difficulty, and something is increasing it. "Make it more challenging" simply means something is becoming more difficult, without necessarily implying an existing challenge. They are very similar and can often be used interchangeably.