aggravates

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "aggravates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that makes a situation worse or more difficult. For example: "The loud noise in the classroom aggravates my anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As one of seven emirates which not only welcome the outside world but are more tolerant of their vices than many Arab countries, Dubai aggravates certain anti-Western groupings.

The Economist

Nor does it help that some believe they can cure themselves of venereal diseases by sleeping with a virgin.Economic inequality between the sexes aggravates matters.

The Economist

But partisan writing surely aggravates the red-blue divide as well as merely reflecting it.

The Economist

That will help America's exports even as it aggravates tensions with the rest of the world.Rather than promise to buy a large amount of bonds by a certain date, the Fed will probably announce more modest amounts over shorter periods, predicating future instalments on the outlook.

The Economist

ReprintsThey complain partly about NSI's pricing and service; and partly about the trademark disputes that its allocation policy aggravates.

The Economist

They have reduced their leverage, which enhances returns but aggravates losses, too.

The Economist

Sometimes literally: Rocky Twyman, a community organiser from Maryland, leads group prayers at petrol stations to beg for divine intervention.America's costly but leaky health-care system aggravates several other problems.

The Economist

The opposition, however, argues that this actually aggravates divisions.Many also believe, resentfully, that the government is dominated by Mr Zenawi's ethnic group, the Tigrayans, who spearheaded the revolt against the Derg.

The Economist

Furthermore, the interaction of hunger and AIDS aggravates matters.

The Economist

"This merely aggravates an already sensitive situation," says Michael Stewart, principal of Calgary's Ballinacurra Group.

The Economist

Those figures are implausibly high but the direction is surely right.Litigation aggravates the problem.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aggravates", ensure that the subject experiencing the worsening condition is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what condition or situation is being made worse.

Common error

Avoid using "aggravates" with overly abstract subjects that lack a clear, definable state. Instead of saying "This idea aggravates progress", specify what tangible aspect of progress is hindered, like "This idea aggravates the implementation of new policies".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aggravates" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. It's used to describe the action of making a condition or situation worse. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it acts as the main verb in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "aggravates" is a verb used to describe the act of making something worse. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles and encyclopedias. It's crucial to use "aggravates" with concrete subjects to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "worsens", "exacerbates", and "intensifies", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. "Aggravates" is considered grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across various reliable sources, making it a strong choice for expressing a worsening condition in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsens

A simpler and more direct way to convey the same meaning.

exacerbates

A more formal and often clinical term for making something worse.

intensifies

Focuses on increasing the strength or degree of something.

compounds

Suggests adding to existing problems or difficulties.

inflames

Implies a metaphorical burning or heightened emotional state.

heightens

Emphasizes making something more noticeable or acute.

magnifies

Indicates making something appear larger or more significant.

provokes

Suggests initiating or stirring up a negative reaction or situation.

irritates

Implies causing annoyance or minor worsening.

fuels

Suggests providing energy or support to a negative process or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "aggravates" in a sentence?

Use "aggravates" to describe something that makes a situation worse. For example, "The lack of sleep "aggravates her headaches"".

What are some alternatives to "aggravates"?

Alternatives to "aggravates" include "worsens", "exacerbates", or "intensifies", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "aggravates" and "irritates"?

"Aggravates" suggests a more significant worsening, while "irritates" implies a minor annoyance or worsening. For example, "The constant noise aggravates my anxiety", versus "The scratchy fabric irritates my skin".

Which is more formal, "aggravates" or "worsens"?

"Aggravates" tends to be slightly more formal than "worsens", making it suitable for professional and academic writing.