complicated matters further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated matters further" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation that has become more complex or difficult due to additional factors or actions. Example: "The new regulations complicated matters further, making it challenging for the team to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But those efforts have so far failed, and the executions appear to have complicated matters further.

The New York Times

And having a career that took her on the road complicated matters further.

The New York Times

Harvard sent an oval ball, which finally arrived the day before the game, but this complicated matters further.

Princeton University

Torn between two cultures, he complicated matters further by spending a year in Australia, his father's birthplace.

The Guardian - Books

Almost every song was based on an asymmetrical pulse, and Mr. Sorey, with his whipsaw exertions, complicated matters further.

The New York Times - Arts

If 80s feminism decreed that the personal was political, then Thorn and Watt's situation complicated matters further: the musical was domestic, too.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And this complicates matters further.

The New York Times

Eight servicemen died, complicating matters further.

The Guardian

Distances and poor roads complicate matters further.

The Guardian

But complicating matters further is the issue of public financing.

The New York Times - Arts

To complicate matters further, GCSEs are also being reformed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complicated matters further" to clearly indicate that a situation has become more difficult due to added elements or actions. It provides a concise way to convey increased complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated matters further" in situations where the increase in complexity is minimal or self-evident. Opt for simpler phrasing when the situation doesn't require emphasizing significant difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated matters further" acts as a verb phrase within a sentence, modifying the situation by indicating it has become more complex or difficult. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe increasing complexity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complicated matters further" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's used to describe situations that have become more complex or difficult due to added factors. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in various contexts, particularly in news, academia and science. When writing, make sure that the increase in complexity is worth mentioning. Consider alternatives like ""further complicated the situation"" or ""exacerbated the problem"" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further complicated the situation

Emphasizes the act of making the situation more complex.

exacerbated the problem

Highlights the worsening of an existing issue.

compounded the difficulty

Focuses on adding to the existing challenges.

muddied the waters even more

Uses a metaphor to suggest confusion and lack of clarity.

added another layer of complexity

Stresses the layered nature of the complication.

made things even trickier

Informal way to describe the situation.

heightened the intricacy

Highlights the increase in detailed and complex aspects.

deepened the quagmire

Emphasizes being stuck in a difficult situation.

magnified the confusion

Focuses on amplifying the existing state of uncertainty.

piled on additional challenges

Stresses the addition of multiple new difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "complicated matters further" in a sentence?

You can use "complicated matters further" to show that a situation has become more complex due to additional factors. For example, "The new regulations "complicated matters further", making it challenging for the team to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "complicated matters further"?

Alternatives include "further complicated the situation", "exacerbated the problem", or "compounded the difficulty", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "complicates matters further" or "complicated matters further"?

The choice depends on the tense of your sentence. "Complicates matters further" is used in the present tense, while "complicated matters further" is used in the past tense.

What is the difference between "complicated matters further" and "confused matters further"?

"Complicated matters further" implies making something more complex and difficult to understand, while "confused matters further" suggests adding to the uncertainty and lack of clarity. They are similar, but not interchangeable.