adding to the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adding to the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where an action or event exacerbates an existing issue. Example: "The lack of communication among team members is adding to the problem of missed deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But are punters adding to the problem?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

New-build flat developments are adding to the problem.

Independent

Mr. Friedman said car alarms were usually installed incorrectly, adding to the problem.

The New York Times

At the same time new plants in the Gulf and China are adding to the problem of overcapacity.

The Economist

She also wondered if teachers were adding to the problem by adjusting their lessons to accommodate shorter attention spans.

The New York Times

"There are plenty of guns in circulation without our potentially adding to the problem," Mr. Browne said.

The New York Times

More people than ever are calling 999 and waits outside A&E are getting longer, adding to the problem.

The Guardian

Self-reflection about the ways in which her ill-timed op-ed might be adding to the problem.

The New Yorker

Grayling's ban on prisoners receiving parcels containing not only books and stamps but also underwear, socks and other clothing from their families is adding to the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

And adding to the problem, at least for single people, is that very few of these apartments were built with one-person households in mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many readers decided that they could no longer put their trust in the paper and turned away, adding to the problem of the Telegraph's fast-falling circulation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adding to the problem" when you want to emphasize that a particular action or situation is making an existing problem worse. Be specific about how it contributes to the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "adding to the problem" as a vague statement. Always clarify what specific aspect of the problem is being exacerbated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adding to the problem" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of intensifying or worsening an existing issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights the exacerbation of a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adding to the problem" is a commonly used expression to describe something that exacerbates an existing issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. Its strength lies in its ability to specifically point out the factors worsening a situation, which can be anything from lack of communication to poorly designed policies. When using this phrase, specificity is key. Instead of making broad statements, clarify which aspect of the problem is intensified. Alternative phrases like "compounding the problem" or "exacerbating the issue" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compounding the problem

This phrase suggests a merging effect, where new elements combine to worsen the issue.

exacerbating the issue

This implies making an already bad situation even worse, emphasizing the negative impact.

worsening the situation

A straightforward expression indicating a decline in the state of affairs.

aggravating the matter

Suggests making the problem more serious or troublesome.

fuelling the crisis

This alternative conveys an idea of accelerating or intensifying a negative trend.

inflaming the situation

Implies adding intensity or passion to a tense scenario, making it more volatile.

intensifying the difficulty

Highlights an increase in the severity or degree of the existing problem.

magnifying the challenge

Suggests making the problem appear larger or more significant.

contributing to the difficulty

This alternative indicates a role in the problem, without necessarily implying the problem is worsened.

deepening the crisis

Expresses the problem becoming more profound or severe over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "adding to the problem" to describe how something is making a situation worse. For instance, "The lack of communication is "adding to the problem" of project delays".

What can I say instead of "adding to the problem"?

You can use alternatives like "compounding the problem", "exacerbating the issue", or "worsening the situation" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "adds to the problem" is grammatically correct, but it indicates a habitual or consistent action, while "adding to the problem" suggests a more immediate or ongoing effect.

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

"Adding to the problem" implies making the problem worse, while "contributing to the problem" simply means playing a part in the problem, without necessarily worsening it.