added to the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "added to the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when describing how something (usually an event) makes a situation worse. For example: "The high unemployment rate has added to the problem of poverty in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The government's program added to the problem.

The New York Times

This has only added to the problem.

The New York Times

A flood of balsamic vinaigrette added to the problem.

The New York Times

But this has only added to the problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Federal spending policies have added to the problem.

The Washington Post

The recent rise of consumer debt in Canada has added to the problem.

The New York Times

He rejected the claim that immigration has added to the problem of youth unemployment.

Independent

Reports of broken ballot printers and scanners around the state added to the problem.

The New York Times

Unusually hot summer weather, plus droughts in parts of the country, added to the problem.

The Economist

Two bad harvests in Syria's wheat-growing region have added to the problem.

The New York Times

OPEC added to the problem by jacking up the price of foreign oil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "added to the problem", ensure that the context clearly establishes the original problem to which something is being added. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "added to the problem" without clearly defining the problem being referenced. Vague references can confuse readers and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "added to the problem" functions as a predicate describing how an action or event worsened an existing issue. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in describing negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "added to the problem" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has worsened an existing issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the original problem is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "worsened the situation" or "exacerbated the issue" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to provide a clear antecedent to avoid vagueness. "Added to the problem" serves as a neutral term, suitable for a variety of registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsened the situation

Replaces "added to" with "worsened", focusing on the negative impact on the overall situation.

exacerbated the issue

Uses a more formal term, "exacerbated", to indicate an increase in the severity of the problem.

compounded the difficulty

Emphasizes the cumulative effect, suggesting that the new element made the existing difficulty even harder to manage.

aggravated the matter

Similar to "exacerbated", but with a slightly less formal tone, suggesting an increase in the seriousness or unpleasantness of the matter.

made the problem worse

Simplifies the phrasing while maintaining the core meaning.

further complicated matters

Highlights the added complexity resulting from the new element.

only made matters worse

Adds the qualifier "only" to emphasize the negative consequence.

poured fuel on the fire

Uses an idiom to convey the idea of intensifying an already problematic situation.

deepened the crisis

Focuses on the intensification of a crisis situation.

heightened the challenge

Specifically refers to an increase in the intensity of a challenge, moving away from the more general term 'problem'.

FAQs

How can I use "added to the problem" in a sentence?

Use "added to the problem" to describe how a new factor or action has made an existing issue worse. For example, "The lack of funding has "added to the problem" of homelessness."

What are some alternatives to saying "added to the problem"?

You can use alternatives such as "worsened the situation", "exacerbated the issue", or "compounded the difficulty" to replace ""added to the problem"" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "adds to the problem" instead of "added to the problem"?

Yes, "adds to the problem" is correct. "Adds to the problem" is typically used for recurring actions, while ""added to the problem"" refers to a specific past event that worsened the situation.

What's the difference between "contributed to the problem" and "added to the problem"?

"Contributed to the problem" suggests a partial cause, while ""added to the problem"" implies an increase in the severity of an existing issue. The former indicates influence, whereas the latter denotes amplification.