adding to the misery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adding to the misery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something is making an already bad situation worse. Example: "The heavy rain was adding to the misery of the stranded travelers, who were already facing delays and cancellations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Others caution that throwing treatments at children can do more harm than good, adding to the misery of being fat.

The New York Times

By afternoon, clouds cover the rugged landscape, adding to the misery as a freezing mist covers everything.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, fresh statistics reinforce the fact that little-publicised cuts from other government departments are adding to the misery.

The Guardian - Opinion

The police surveillance vehicle being sent around the world, an international alliance of dockworkers adding to the misery of one policeman in Baltimore?

The Guardian

Many Iraqis remember those strikes, undertaken by the Clinton administration, as having little effect on Mr. Hussein's brutality and only adding to the misery of the population.

The New York Times

Horrific reports of mass marriages involving insurgents are slowly leaking into the press, only adding to the misery of families frustrated with the apparent inaction of the government.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

This would, in turn, increase the prices of agriculture produce, adding to the miseries of both the farmer and consumer, who are already facing extreme economic depression".

Huffington Post

Injuries to Jayson Williams, Van Horn and Kittles only added to the misery.

The New York Times - Sports

And the Champions League games added to the misery.

The Guardian - Sport

Thousands of unwanted babies added to the misery.

The Guardian

You take resources that they have, that are taken away, it just adds to the misery".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adding to the misery" to vividly depict how a new event or circumstance intensifies an already unfortunate situation. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to highlight the compounding effect of negative factors.

Common error

Avoid using "adding to the misery" in situations that are only mildly inconvenient. The phrase carries a strong emotional weight and is most impactful when describing genuinely dire or unfortunate circumstances. Reserve it for situations where the additional factor truly exacerbates existing suffering or hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adding to the misery" functions as a verbal phrase. It typically describes an action or event that exacerbates an existing negative situation, increasing the level of suffering or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adding to the misery" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe how something worsens an already difficult or unfortunate situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse sources. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively conveys the compounding effect of negative factors, often evoking empathy. While versatile, it's best reserved for contexts where the added element genuinely exacerbates existing hardship. Alternatives such as "exacerbating the suffering" or "compounding the distress" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Remember to avoid overuse and maintain contextual appropriateness to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacerbating the suffering

Emphasizes the intensification of pain or distress, highlighting the emotional aspect.

compounding the distress

Focuses on the accumulation of stressors, making the situation more burdensome.

worsening the situation

A general term for making a situation worse, without specifying the type of suffering.

aggravating the hardship

Highlights the increase in difficulties and challenges faced.

intensifying the pain

Specifically refers to increasing physical or emotional discomfort.

heightening the difficulty

Emphasizes the increase in the level of challenge.

deepening the sorrow

Focuses on amplifying feelings of sadness and grief.

magnifying the problem

Highlights the expansion of an issue, making it seem larger and more significant.

inflaming the situation

Conveys a sense of agitation and heightened tension, often implying conflict.

fueling the despair

Suggests an increase in hopelessness and loss of faith.

FAQs

How can I use "adding to the misery" in a sentence?

You can use "adding to the misery" to describe situations where something worsens an already bad situation. For example: "The heavy rain was "adding to the misery" of the refugees who had already lost their homes."

What are some alternatives to "adding to the misery"?

Some alternatives to "adding to the misery" include "exacerbating the suffering", "compounding the distress", or "worsening the situation".

Is it appropriate to use "adding to the misery" in formal writing?

Yes, "adding to the misery" can be used in formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical articles, as it effectively conveys a sense of increased hardship. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context.

What's the difference between "adding to the misery" and "contributing to the problem"?

"Adding to the misery" specifically refers to worsening an already unfortunate or painful situation, focusing on the emotional or physical suffering involved. "Contributing to the problem", on the other hand, is a more general phrase that indicates involvement in making any problem worse, not necessarily involving misery or suffering.