complicating matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicating matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation that is becoming more difficult or complex due to additional factors or circumstances. Example: "The unexpected rainstorm was complicating matters for the outdoor event organizers, who were already facing logistical challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Complicating matters were liability rules.

The New York Times - Tech

Complicating matters are the injuries.

The New York Times

Complicating matters, abstentions count as no-votes.

The New York Times

Inflation tumbles, too, further complicating matters.

The Economist

Complicating matters, Splendiano wants Djamileh for himself.

The New York Times - Arts

Complicating matters, she ignored postoperative advice.

The New York Times

Complicating matters, there is a procedural glitch.

The New York Times

Complicating matters is a cumbersome bureaucracy.

The New York Times - Sports

Complicating matters is the issue of insurance.

The New York Times

Eight servicemen died, complicating matters further.

The Guardian

Complicating matters is Mr. Wilson's money.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complicating matters" to smoothly transition into explaining additional factors that contribute to a problem or difficulty. It often works best when placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to set the context.

Common error

Avoid using "complicating matters" in situations where the complication is already obvious or minor. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Simpler phrases might be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicating matters" functions as an introductory element to a sentence or clause. It sets the stage for additional information that contributes to the complexity or difficulty of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complicating matters" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce elements that add difficulty or complexity to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it serves as a neutral transitional phrase to smoothly introduce new challenges, though you should avoid overusing it in simple contexts. Related phrases, such as "compounding the issue" and "exacerbating the situation", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings with slight shifts in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further complicating the situation

Adds emphasis on the progressive increase in complexity.

compounding the issue

Changes the verb to "compounding", which implies an accumulation of difficulties rather than just a complication.

adding another layer of complexity

Highlights the layered nature of the problem, emphasizing depth.

exacerbating the situation

Shifts the focus to worsening an already negative situation.

making it more intricate

Shifts the emphasis to the detailed and elaborate nature of the issue.

making things more difficult

Provides a simpler and more direct way to express the same idea.

raising further obstacles

Highlights the impeding nature of additional difficulties.

introducing new challenges

Focuses on the emergence of new obstacles.

muddying the waters

Uses a metaphor to suggest that the situation is becoming less clear.

tangling the web

Employs a metaphor to illustrate a complex and interconnected problem.

FAQs

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

Use "complicating matters" to introduce additional factors that make a situation more difficult or complex. For example, "The lack of funding was already a problem; "complicating matters", the project timeline was also very tight."

What are some alternatives to "complicating matters"?

You can use alternatives such as "compounding the issue", "exacerbating the situation", or "making things more difficult", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "complicated matters" instead of "complicating matters"?

While "complicated matters" describes the state of being complex, ""complicating matters"" describes the action of making something more complex. The choice depends on whether you want to describe a state or an ongoing process.

What's the difference between "complicating issues" and "complicating matters"?

"Complicating issues" is similar, but ""complicating matters"" is a more general phrase often used to introduce an additional problem or factor in any situation, whereas "complicating issues" refers more specifically to problems.