aggravate the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'aggravate the problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation that is becoming worse because of some additional factor. For example: 'A lack of adequate funding only served to aggravate the problem.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rees: I think they aggravate the problem.

Harvard University

"The Bush administration should not aggravate the problem".

The New York Times

Tackling bullying requires careful and sensitive handling in order not to aggravate the problem.

The Guardian

The levees were helping to aggravate the problem they were meant to solve.

The New Yorker

Smartphones and tablets aggravate the problem, keeping kids connected and distracted long after lights out.

The New York Times

They lure more poor people and thereby aggravate the problem of holding on to peesperous taxpayers.

The New York Times

Moreover, investors tend to deal with uncertainty in ways that aggravate the problem.

The Economist

As in plantar fasciitis, shoes that are worn out, poorly fitting or poorly constructed can aggravate the problem.

Harvard University

Although National Highway 7 (NH7) exists already, widening it will aggravate the problem it poses to wildlife.

The Guardian

But such real-time glimpses often aggravate the problem, as the obsessed become obsessed with what they are seeing — or not seeing.

The New York Times

And for parents who want to stop their children from texting and surfing through algebra class, such unlimited plans could just aggravate the problem.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aggravate the problem" to highlight unintended consequences. This shows critical thinking and a nuanced understanding of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "aggravate the problem" in simple situations where "worsen" suffices. This phrase carries a connotation of complexity, so reserve it for scenarios with multiple contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aggravate the problem" functions as a verb phrase, where "aggravate" is the transitive verb and "the problem" is its direct object. It signifies an action that worsens or intensifies an existing issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aggravate the problem" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates making a situation worse. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal and informal contexts, but particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science. Alternatives like "worsen the problem" or "exacerbate the problem" can be used to add nuance. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the complexity of the situation and provide clear context to maximize its impact. Avoiding overuse in simplistic scenarios ensures a clear, authoritative message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsen the problem

This is a direct synonym, indicating a making a problem worse.

exacerbate the problem

Implies making an existing problem more severe or intense.

compound the problem

Adds to the existing problem, making it more complex.

intensify the problem

Increases the strength or degree of the problem.

inflame the problem

Metaphorically sets the problem on fire, making it more volatile.

heighten the problem

Raises the intensity or visibility of the problem.

magnify the problem

Makes the problem appear larger or more significant.

deteriorate the problem

Causes the problem to decline in quality or effectiveness.

deepen the problem

Increases the depth or complexity of the problem.

escalate the problem

Increases the scale or intensity of the problem, often implying rapid growth.

FAQs

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

You can use "aggravate the problem" to describe actions or policies that make a situation worse. For example, "Ignoring early warning signs will only "worsen the problem"".

What are some alternatives to "aggravate the problem"?

Alternatives include "exacerbate the problem", "worsen the problem", or "compound the problem", each implying a different nuance of making the situation worse.

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

"Aggravate the problem" implies adding complexity and severity to an existing issue, while "worsen the problem" is a more general term for making something worse. Choose based on the specific context.

What's the difference between "aggravate the problem" and "exacerbate the problem"?

While both mean to make a problem worse, "exacerbate the problem" often suggests a sudden or rapid increase in severity, whereas "aggravate the problem" implies a gradual worsening or the addition of complicating factors.