complicating matters for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicating matters for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where additional difficulties or complexities are introduced for someone or something. Example: "The unexpected storm hit the region, complicating matters for the rescue teams trying to reach the stranded hikers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And complicating matters for Roberts, his Democratic opponent, Chad Taylor, has withdrawn from the race.

The New Yorker

Complicating matters for the Rangers is what Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff calls the loser point.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Complicating matters for the bank, Mr. Dimon is inextricably linked to the settlement.

The New York Times

Huge beasts now wander the island, complicating matters for Carmen and Juni.

The New York Times

Complicating matters for firefighters is a wildfire season made unusually long by the unchanging weather patterns.

The New York Times

The extraordinary recuperative powers of Sam Garnes are again complicating matters for the Giants.

The New York Times - Sports

Complicating matters for California's firefighters: They were battling multiple wildfires across the tinder-dry state.

The Washington Post

Complicating matters for Mrs Zia, most of her BNP politicians are desperate to take part in the election.

The Economist

Complicating matters for Amtrak service along the busy Northeast Corridor was a fatal accident believed to be unrelated to weather.

The New York Times

Complicating matters for American officials were new concerns about whether terrorism at home was more extensive than had been thought.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complicating matters for" to introduce an additional factor that makes an existing situation more difficult, especially when discussing problems faced by individuals, groups, or organizations. Frame it within a broader context to give a clearer understanding of who or what is affected.

Common error

Avoid using "complicating matters for" in situations where the difficulty is already inherently obvious or easily understood. Using it in overly simplistic scenarios can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicating matters for" serves as a prepositional phrase that introduces an element that makes a situation more complex or difficult for a specific person, group, or entity. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complicating matters for" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce elements that add difficulty to existing situations. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is frequently used in news and media contexts to explain why a situation is becoming more challenging. While alternatives like "adding complications for" or "creating difficulties for" exist, the choice depends on the desired tone and specific context. When using this phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context and avoid overly simplistic scenarios to ensure clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further complicating the situation for

Adds emphasis on previous complications.

adding complications for

Focuses on the addition of new difficulties.

creating difficulties for

Highlights the act of generating problems.

worsening the situation for

Emphasizes the deterioration of circumstances.

making it harder for

Simplifies the expression to a more direct statement.

posing challenges for

Focuses on the obstacles presented.

exacerbating issues for

Highlights the aggravation of existing problems.

intensifying the problems for

Stresses the increase in the severity of issues.

presenting obstacles for

Focuses on the barriers created.

creating a hurdle for

Introduces a metaphor of overcoming difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "complicating matters for" to introduce a new element that adds difficulty to a situation. For example, "The sudden budget cuts are complicating matters for the research team."

What are some alternatives to "complicating matters for"?

Alternatives include "adding complications for", "creating difficulties for", or "worsening the situation for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "complicating matters for" or "making things difficult for"?

"Complicating matters for" is generally more formal. "Making things difficult for" is more direct and informal. The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

What does "complicating matters for" imply about the situation?

It implies that there are already existing issues or difficulties and that a new factor is being introduced, which will exacerbate those existing problems.