complicating problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicating problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues that are becoming more complex or difficult to resolve. Example: "The recent changes in policy are complicating problems that were already challenging for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Therefore, ICS/LABA treatment in the real-world is usually prescribed when asthma and COPD patients are unstable and often have other complicating problems such as infections or cardiovascular complications.

Drugs

The 68,000‐ pound submarine weighs 6,000 pounds more than originally planned, complicating problems the Navy would have in air lifting it to overseas disaster sites.

The New York Times

In Western Europe, support for the enlargement is tempered by concerns that the Eastern countries will drain away wealth and jobs, complicating problems of economic stagnation and tensions over illegal immigration.

The New York Times

Hard to reach and an unhelpful shape, opening up a patient's chest has been the only way to solve the problem, putting it beyond the reach of hundreds of people considered too high-risk because they are frail (usually elderly) or have complicating problems such as lung disease.

The Guardian

Complicating problems of origin, all of the pandemic and epidemic influenza A viruses that have appeared since 1918 have been descendants of it, arising by either genetic drift, reassortment with prevalent avian viruses, or in 1 case (1977) by apparent release from a freezer.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Unstructured and multi-objective task arrangement in radiation field is a complicating problem decision-makers are most concerned about.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

I love complicated problems.

The Guardian

"In Palestine farmers have complicated problems.

The Guardian

Complicated problems may be referred to consulting, above.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The prime minister strives to make complicated problems simple.

The Economist

But calculus is applied to more complicated problems.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complicating problems", ensure the context clearly identifies the original problems and how they are being made more complex. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "complicating problems" in situations where the issues are inherently simple. Reserve it for scenarios where the added complexity significantly alters the nature of the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicating problems" functions as a verb phrase modifying a noun. It describes the action of making existing issues more intricate or difficult to resolve. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicating problems" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of making existing issues more intricate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent across news, academic and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the original problems and how they are being made more complex. Alternatives such as "worsening difficulties" or "exacerbating issues" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsening difficulties

Focuses on the act of making existing difficulties worse, emphasizing the negative impact.

exacerbating issues

Highlights the intensification of existing issues, suggesting a more acute negative change.

aggravating challenges

Similar to exacerbating, but emphasizes the challenging nature of the problems being made worse.

compounding difficulties

Indicates that difficulties are increasing in number or severity, adding layers of complexity.

muddying the waters

Idiomatic expression suggesting confusion and lack of clarity being added to a situation.

adding complexity

Focuses specifically on the act of making something more complex, often implying difficulty.

introducing complications

Highlights the introduction of new elements that make the situation more complex.

heightening tensions

Specifically related to increasing tension, which often complicates problem-solving efforts.

obscuring solutions

Emphasizes that problems now hide or prevent solutions.

fuelling disputes

Focuses on the fact that problems are now stimulating, feeding and keeping disputes alive.

FAQs

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

You can use "complicating problems" to describe situations where new factors are making existing issues more complex. For instance, "The new regulations are "complicating problems" for small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "complicating problems"?

Alternatives include "worsening difficulties", "exacerbating issues", or "compounding difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "complicating problems" or "complex problems"?

"Complicating problems" implies a process of making something more difficult, whereas "complex problems" simply describes the state of being intricate or multifaceted. Use "complicating problems" when you want to highlight the act of making something more intricate.

How does "complicating problems" differ from "creating problems"?

"Complicating problems" suggests adding difficulty to existing issues, while "creating problems" implies the generation of entirely new issues. The former builds upon what already exists, while the latter introduces something novel.