be exacerbated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be exacerbated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is made worse or intensified by a particular factor or condition. Example: "The patient's condition may be exacerbated by stress and lack of sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be exacerbated by diet, too.

Independent

This association is bound to be exacerbated by famine.

Princeton University

Unequal participation can be exacerbated by a preference gap.

Yale University

These inequalities are likely to be exacerbated by these cuts".

The Guardian

This can be exacerbated by a lack of public demand.

The Guardian

It may be exacerbated by external heat and exercise.

Britannica

These qualities may also be exacerbated by lack of sleep.

The New York Times

Rather, individual anxiety may be exacerbated by disrupted sleep.

Brain Research

That trend will surely be exacerbated by big data.

The New York Times

The very deep divisions will only be exacerbated by war.

The Economist

This would be exacerbated by the stress of an extradition.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be exacerbated by", ensure that the relationship between the cause and the intensified effect is clear to the reader. Provide specific details to illustrate how the cause leads to the worsening of the situation.

Common error

While "be exacerbated by" is appropriate in many academic and professional settings, avoid overusing it in informal writing. Consider simpler alternatives like "be worsened by" or "be aggravated by" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exacerbated by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a condition or situation is made worse or more intense by a specific factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and presence in various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be exacerbated by" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe how a particular condition or situation is intensified or worsened by a specific cause. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly found in various reliable sources, including news outlets, scientific journals, and encyclopedias. While it's generally appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferred in informal writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the cause-and-effect relationship is clearly articulated to enhance comprehension. Common synonyms include "be worsened by" and "be aggravated by". Considering its formal tone, be mindful of the intended audience and purpose of your writing. The frequency of the phrase is "very common".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aggravated by

Focuses on the worsening aspect, similar to "exacerbated", but may imply a more immediate or direct cause.

be worsened by

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea, indicating a decline in condition.

be intensified by

Highlights the increase in strength or severity due to a specific factor.

be compounded by

Emphasizes the addition of further problems or difficulties to an existing situation.

be fueled by

Implies that something is being encouraged or made more intense by a particular cause.

be heightened by

Focuses on the increase in level or intensity of something.

be inflamed by

Suggests a more aggressive or agitated increase in severity, often used metaphorically.

be magnified by

Indicates that the effect or impact is made larger or more significant by something.

be amplified by

Similar to magnified but often used in technical or scientific contexts to indicate a greater effect.

be triggered by

Implies that something is started or set off by a particular event or factor.

FAQs

How can I use "be exacerbated by" in a sentence?

Use "be exacerbated by" to indicate that something is made worse or more intense by a specific factor. For example, "The patient's symptoms can "be exacerbated by" stress."

What are some alternatives to "be exacerbated by"?

You can use alternatives like "be worsened by", "be aggravated by", or "be intensified by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be exacerbated by" formal or informal?

"Be exacerbated by" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "be exacerbated by" and "be aggravated by"?

While both phrases suggest a worsening of a situation, ""be exacerbated by"" often implies a gradual or underlying intensification, whereas "be aggravated by" might suggest a more immediate or direct worsening.