aggravates the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"aggravates the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is making the problem worse. For example, "This constant bickering between siblings only aggravates the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Yet that aggravates the problem.

The Economist

The regularity of Hofmannsthal's meter only aggravates the problem.

The New York Times - Arts

"I believe it aggravates the problem substantially," he said.

The New York Times

And poverty aggravates the problem, as do incessant wars.

The Economist

But this only aggravates the problem, and, eventually, it produces a full-scale credit crunch.

The New Yorker

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

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI, Francis's predecessor, said Aids was a tragedy "that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems".

The Guardian

This aggravated the problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

He faulted lifestyle changes for aggravating the problem.

The New York Times

"The Bush administration should not aggravate the problem".

The New York Times

The Law on the State Enterprise further aggravated the problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aggravates the problem" when you want to clearly state that a particular action or situation is making an existing problem worse. For example, "Ignoring safety regulations aggravates the problem of workplace accidents."

Common error

Avoid using "aggravates the problem" in contexts where a simpler term like "worsens" would suffice. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aggravates the problem" functions as a verb phrase, where "aggravates" is the verb indicating the action of making something worse, and "the problem" is the direct object. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aggravates the problem" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates the worsening of a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig's AI, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal communications. While relatively formal, its meaning is clear. Consider alternatives such as "worsens the situation" or "exacerbates the issue" to tailor the tone to your specific needs. Be mindful of overusing it in simple contexts where more direct language would suffice. Using "aggravates the problem" effectively involves recognizing when a situation is not merely problematic but actively being made worse by a contributing factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsens the situation

Replaces "problem" with "situation" offering a more general term.

exacerbates the issue

Substitutes "aggravates" with "exacerbates" and "problem" with "issue", using more formal vocabulary.

compounds the difficulty

Replaces the verb and noun with synonyms to convey a similar meaning of increasing complexity.

intensifies the crisis

Changes "problem" to "crisis", suggesting a more severe situation.

fuels the challenge

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate that the problem is being made stronger.

adds to the complexity

Focuses on the aspect of increasing the intricate nature of the problem.

deepens the predicament

Uses a more dramatic term "predicament" to replace "problem".

magnifies the adversity

Employs more forceful language to emphasize the worsening of the situation.

inflames the matter

Indicates that the situation is becoming more heated or agitated.

heightens the tension

Shifts the focus to increasing stress or strain related to the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "aggravates the problem" to indicate that something makes a situation worse. For instance, "Lack of communication only "worsens the situation" and "exacerbates the issue"."

What are some alternatives to "aggravates the problem"?

Alternatives include "worsens the situation", "exacerbates the issue", or "compounds the difficulty", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "aggravates the problem" or "worsens the problem"?

"Aggravates the problem" is more formal and emphatic than "worsens the problem". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and formality of your writing.

What does it mean when something "aggravates the problem"?

When something "aggravates the problem", it means that it makes the problem more severe, serious, or troublesome. It "intensifies the crisis" and may lead to further complications.