complicates matters for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicates matters for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where something makes a problem or issue more difficult to resolve or understand. Example: "The unexpected delay in shipping complicates matters for our project timeline, making it harder to meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

What also complicates matters for Hollinger is that the intentions of the Barclays are not clear.

The New York Times

That complicates matters for the many richer clubs who admire him, Bayern Munich among them reportedly.

The Guardian - Sport

Certainly the arrival of Jacques (Clovis Cornillac), Paul's angry, deadbeat half-brother, complicates matters for everyone.

The New York Times

Aroldis Chapman, the Reds' closer, either strengthens or complicates matters for Kimbrel.

The New York Times - Sports

But the AFL-CIO throwing water on the plan complicates matters for Democrats who rely on labor support.

The Washington Post

BP's achievement complicates matters for Bush, who has pronounced the Kyoto Protocol "fatally flawed" because regulating carbon-dioxide emissions "does not make economic sense for America".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

This may complicate matters for President Obama.

The New York Times

This roller-coaster ride, though, has complicated matters for investors.

The New York Times

The difficulties at Allstate have complicated matters for Sears.

The New York Times

Complicating matters for both sides is the protesters' litany of demands.

The New York Times

To complicate matters for those with later tee times, the wind picked up in the afternoon.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complicates matters for" when you want to emphasize that a specific action or event is adding an element of difficulty or intricacy to an existing situation. It is effective in highlighting consequences that might not be immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "complicates matters for" when a simpler expression like "makes it harder for" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicates matters for" functions as a connector, indicating that a preceding event or situation introduces additional difficulties or complexities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in linking cause and effect. It is often followed by an explanation of the resulting complications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicates matters for" is a useful phrase to emphasize the difficulties that follow a specific action or event. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is used correctly and is common across many sources. As observed across numerous examples, it is often used in news and media, as well as in more formal business contexts. While grammatically correct and commonly used, avoid overusing it in simple situations where more straightforward language would be more appropriate. Semantically related alternatives include "makes things more difficult for", "adds complexity for", and "presents challenges for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further complicates things for

Emphasizes that the matters were already complex and are now even more so.

makes things more difficult for

This alternative is a more direct and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

adds complexity for

This alternative focuses on the aspect of adding layers of intricacy rather than just difficulty.

presents challenges for

This option emphasizes the introduction of obstacles or difficulties.

creates difficulties for

Similar to "makes things more difficult", but slightly more formal.

poses a problem for

Highlights that something is now causing a specific issue for someone or something.

exacerbates the situation for

Implies that the situation is getting actively worse as a result.

muddies the waters for

Suggests a situation is becoming less clear or transparent.

entangles the situation for

Implies a state of being twisted or involved in a complicated or awkward way.

obstructs progress for

Focuses on how it specifically hinders advancement or achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "complicates matters for" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to indicate that something is making a situation more difficult or complex. For example, "The lack of funding "complicates matters for" the research team".

What can I say instead of "complicates matters for"?

You can use alternatives like "makes things more difficult for", "adds complexity for", or "presents challenges for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "complicates matters for" or "complicates the situation for"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "complicates matters for" is generally more concise. "Complicates the situation for" might be used when you want to specifically emphasize the overall state of affairs.

What is the difference between "complicates matters for" and "helps matters for"?

"Complicates matters for" indicates that something is making things more difficult, while "helps matters for" implies that something is improving the situation or making it easier. They are antonyms.