complicating things further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicating things further" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation that is becoming more complex or difficult due to additional factors or actions. Example: "The new regulations are complicating things further for the already struggling business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

And, complicating things further, babies sometimes swap positions before birth.

Stanford University

Complicating things further is the peculiar structure of the German cable industry.

The New York Times

Complicating things further, she soon announced that she was pregnant with Bagby's child.

The New Yorker

Complicating things further, most of Mr Tata's key lieutenants are past or near retirement age.

The Economist

Complicating things further, it is possible to buy and sell credit-default swaps without owning the underlying bonds.

The New York Times

Complicating things further is that many spammers call from other countries, out of the reach of U.S. law enforcement.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A new study complicates things further.

The New York Times

To complicate things further, mouse bodies fight off my tumors.

The New Yorker

Further delays or cancelations would complicate things further.

The New York Times

The Fund's own mistakes in 1997-98 complicathingsngs further.

The Economist

To complicate things further, the act of mis-remembering seems to be a very human characteristic.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complicating things further" to smoothly transition into an additional factor that exacerbates a problem or situation. Ensure the context clearly establishes the initial complexity before introducing the complicating element.

Common error

Avoid using "complicating things further" when the situation isn't already complex. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic. Reserve it for scenarios where a genuine layer of complexity is being added.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicating things further" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects a new piece of information to a preceding statement, indicating that the new information adds to the complexity of the situation. Ludwig AI examples show this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complicating things further" is a commonly used conjunctive adverbial phrase that introduces an additional factor that increases the complexity of a situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase is versatile and appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though overuse in simple contexts should be avoided. Its function is to connect new information to a preceding statement, emphasizing the increasing difficulty of the situation. Alternatives such as "adding more complexity" or "making matters more intricate" can be used to add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further complicating the issue

This option is very similar but explicitly mentions "the issue", providing a slightly different focus.

adding more complexity

This alternative focuses on the act of adding complexity, a direct synonym for complicating.

making matters more intricate

This alternative uses "intricate" instead of "complex", emphasizing the detailed and involved nature of the situation.

making a complex situation even worse

This option clearly indicates a decline and increasing complexness, but includes the word worse.

exacerbating the situation

This suggests that the situation is not only becoming more complex but also worse.

worsening an already difficult scenario

This alternative highlights the deterioration of an already problematic situation.

muddying the waters

This is an idiomatic expression that means making something less clear and more confused.

introducing additional hurdles

This focuses on the obstacles being added rather than the overall complexity.

piling on the difficulties

This alternative emphasizes the accumulation of difficulties.

adding fuel to the fire

This idiomatic expression indicates that the situation is becoming more intense or problematic.

FAQs

How can I use "complicating things further" in a sentence?

You can use "complicating things further" to introduce an additional element that makes a situation more complex. For example, "The company was already facing financial difficulties; "complicating things further", a key investor pulled out".

What are some alternatives to "complicating things further"?

Alternatives include "adding more complexity", "making matters more intricate", or "exacerbating the situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "complicating things further" in formal writing?

Yes, "complicating things further" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex issues. However, ensure the tone remains professional and objective, avoiding overly dramatic language.

What's the difference between "complicating things further" and "complicating the issue"?

"Complicating things further" implies adding a new element to an already complex situation, whereas "complicating the issue" refers more generally to making a specific issue more complex, regardless of its initial state. The former emphasizes the 'additive' nature of the complication.