aggravate the existing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aggravate the existing problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where an action or event makes an already problematic issue worse. Example: "The lack of communication between departments will only serve to aggravate the existing problem of inefficiency in our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some pollutants commonly found in homes and offices are carcinogenic, others can aggravate existing problems like asthma and heart disease, while others may have untoward effects that have not yet been discovered.

The New York Times - Health

If Trump were true to his business school training, he would know that "Making America Great Again" is a slogan, not serious plan, and that his half-baked proposals would only aggravate existing problems rather than achieve some imagined view of "greatness".

Huffington Post

This particular situation leads to, and aggravates the existing stress on land resources.

Geomorphology

But Dr. Robert A. Bitterman, an emergency physician at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., said: "The new rule could aggravate an existing problem.

The New York Times

Impala said last week that it welcomed the commission's "very strong" objections to the merger and that they reflected the concerns of independent labels that a merger of two of the five leading companies would "disproportionately aggravate" an existing problem of collective dominance.

The New York Times

This pose can help relieve pain and restore range of motion, yoga therapists say, because of a method called muscular substitution — training the body to avoid aggravating an existing problem by using other muscles.

The New York Times

Regular sleep deprivation doesn't give the brain cell enough time to relax, repair and regenerate, and thereby, lead to several mental health problems, or aggravate the existing ones.

Stanford University

This further aggravates the problems of noncompliance with the existing building regulations and often results in unauthorized development and enormous environmental impacts.

International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment

The increase in temperatures may aggravate existing health problems and lead to the emergence of new risks.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Hypnosis should not be offered in situations where it might aggravate existing emotional problems, or the problem might be treated more effectively by another method [ 11].

BMC Pediatrics

A tightly fitting or narrow shoe can aggravate an already existing foot problem that you had but did not bother you prior to wearing that shoe, such as a bunion, hammer toe or neuroma.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aggravate the existing problem", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the "existing problem" is. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or background information.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "aggravate the existing problem" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "make things worse" or "add to the problem" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aggravate the existing problem" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is making a pre-existing issue worse. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aggravate the existing problem" is used to describe actions or situations that worsen a pre-existing issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although not particularly informal, it finds common usage in news, scientific, and formal writing. Alternatives such as "worsen the current issue" or "exacerbate the present difficulty" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Ensure clarity by specifying the "existing problem" and consider simpler alternatives for casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Aggravate the present situation

Substitutes "problem" with "situation", offering a more general term.

Worsen the current issue

Replaces "aggravate" with "worsen" and "existing" with "current", offering a slightly simpler alternative.

Worsen the already present issue

Slightly rewords the original to emphasize that the problem is already present.

Exacerbate the present difficulty

Uses more formal synonyms like "exacerbate" for "aggravate" and "difficulty" for "problem".

Exacerbate an already difficult situation

Replaces "existing problem" with a more descriptive "already difficult situation".

Compound the existing challenge

Employs "compound" to suggest adding to the problem, rather than just worsening it.

Intensify the current predicament

Uses "intensify" to emphasize the increase in severity and "predicament" to highlight the problematic situation.

Inflame the existing troubles

Uses "inflame" to convey a sense of making the problem more intense or volatile.

Magnify the prevailing issue

Suggests making the problem larger or more noticeable.

Heighten the ongoing crisis

Implies an increase in the intensity of an already critical situation.

FAQs

What does "aggravate the existing problem" mean?

It means to make a problem that already exists even worse.

How can I use "aggravate the existing problem" in a sentence?

For example, "Ignoring the warning signs will only "aggravate the existing problem" of declining sales."

What are some alternatives to "aggravate the existing problem"?

You can use alternatives like "worsen the current issue", "exacerbate the present difficulty", or "compound the existing challenge".

Is it better to say "aggravate the problem" or "exacerbate the problem"?

Both are correct, but "exacerbate" is more formal. "Aggravate" is generally more common, but in formal and scientific writing, "exacerbate" might be preferred.