complicate the situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicate the situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how an action or event makes a situation more difficult or complex. Example: "The unexpected rainstorm will complicate the situation for the outdoor event organizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But regulatory factors complicate the situation.

The Economist

To complicate the situation, to create occupation.

The New Yorker

Any such intervention can only complicate the situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Countervailing political currents could also complicate the situation.

The New York Times

Grabbing onto it will only complicate the situation.

The New Yorker

If he dies, it could complicate the situation over there.

The New York Times

HOW did a power struggle within Iran complicate the situation?

The New York Times

"We are not working to complicate the situation, but we will defend ourselves".

The New York Times

Part of the reason is because of clothing – it does complicate the situation," he said.

Independent

"It will enormously complicate the situation for the Middle East," Mr. Akgun said of potential American military action in Iraq.

The New York Times

All look to Moscow for support, and the Kremlin could use its influence to calm or complicate the situation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complicate the situation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being made more complex or difficult. Be specific about the element adding the complication.

Common error

Avoid using "complicate the situation" in contexts where simpler vocabulary would suffice. Using it when a less complex phrase would do can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicate the situation" functions as a verb phrase, where "complicate" is the verb and "the situation" is the direct object. It indicates an action that makes a particular circumstance more complex or difficult. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complicate the situation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe how an action or event makes a circumstance more complex or difficult. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the numerous examples from reputable sources, especially in news and science contexts, demonstrate its frequent use. While versatile, it's best used when precision and clarity are needed to avoid making writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Related phrases like "worsen matters" or "exacerbate the problem" offer alternative nuances, allowing for greater precision in conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further complicate matters

Adds additional complexity on top of existing complications.

make matters worse

Directly states a negative impact on the situation.

exacerbate the problem

Highlights the intensification of an existing issue.

worsen matters

Emphasizes making things worse, not just more complex.

aggravate the circumstances

Emphasizes the worsening of the existing conditions.

add a layer of complexity

Focuses on the introduction of additional complexity.

increase the difficulty

Focuses on making something harder to deal with.

muddy the waters

Implies making the situation unclear or confusing.

create further entanglement

Highlights the creation of a more tangled or confusing situation.

inject more confusion

Focuses on adding more confusion to a scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "complicate the situation" in a sentence?

You can use "complicate the situation" to describe how an action or event makes a situation more complex or difficult. For instance, "The new regulations will "complicate the situation" for small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "complicate the situation"?

Alternatives include "worsen matters", "exacerbate the problem", or "make matters worse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "complicate the situation" or "make the situation more complex"?

Both are valid, but "complicate the situation" is often more concise. The choice depends on the desired tone and level of formality. "Make the situation more complex" might be preferred in more formal writing.

What does it mean to "complicate the situation further"?

To "complicate the situation further" means to add even more complexity or difficulty to an already complicated situation. It emphasizes that the situation is becoming increasingly intricate.