complicate matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicate matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where additional complexity or difficulty is introduced. Example: "The unexpected delay in the project timeline will only complicate matters for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Does this complicate matters?

The Guardian

"That would complicate matters," she said.

The New York Times

Counterfacts to the charming persona complicate matters.

The New Yorker

More ingredients, though, also complicate matters.

The New York Times - Food

This may complicate matters for President Obama.

The New York Times

Questions of scale further complicate matters.

The Guardian

To complicate matters further, several million Colombians live in Venezuela.

The Economist

To complicate matters, three MPs are seriously ill.

The Economist

(Good thing we didn't have children to complicate matters).

The New York Times

And to complicate matters, Ms. Choi had a grand piano.

The New York Times

Differences in professional status and income also complicate matters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complicate matters" when you want to convey that something is making a situation more complex or difficult than it already is. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "complicate matters" is a useful phrase, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "make things more difficult" or "add complexity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicate matters" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating an action that introduces complexity or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicate matters" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that conveys the idea of making a situation more complex or difficult. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts, although its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of writing styles. While it’s a useful phrase, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "make things more difficult" or "add a layer of complexity" to diversify your writing. Understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns can help you effectively communicate the nuances of complex situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make things more difficult

Focuses on the increased difficulty of a situation.

add a layer of complexity

Highlights the introduction of additional complexity.

muddy the waters

Implies confusion and lack of clarity.

throw a wrench in the works

Suggests disruption and interference.

make matters worse

Indicates that the situation deteriorates.

aggravate the situation

Implies making a bad situation even worse.

exacerbate the problem

Highlights the worsening of an existing problem.

compound the issue

Suggests adding to an existing problem.

further confuse the issue

Emphasizes increased confusion.

present additional challenges

Focuses on the introduction of new obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "complicate matters" in a sentence?

You can use "complicate matters" to indicate that something is making a situation more complex or difficult. For example, "The new regulations will only "complicate matters" for small businesses".

What's a synonym for "complicate matters"?

Alternatives to "complicate matters" include "make things more difficult", "muddy the waters", or "add a layer of complexity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "complicate matters" or "complicate things"?

"Complicate matters" is generally more formal and specific, implying that existing issues are being made more complex. "Complicate things" is more general and can refer to making any situation more difficult. The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What does it mean when something "complicates matters"?

When something "complicates matters", it means that it introduces new difficulties or complexities into an already existing situation, making it harder to resolve or understand.