compound the difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compound the difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where an issue or challenge is made more complex or severe by additional factors. Example: "The unexpected changes in the project timeline will compound the difficulty of meeting our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

To compound the difficulty, the rough is deep and lush.

The New York Times - Travel

To compound the difficulty of getting a foot in the door is that artistic directors of regional theaters hire almost exclusively from New York City.

The New York Times

"I do not want to compound the difficulty of successfully standing up N.N.S.A.'s new operating model by hiring new employees and promoting others into new assignments".

The New York Times

They compound the difficulty refugees face in going home An older woman who has been living in the camp for the past eight years.

The Economist

The timing and format of the broadcast, shown with Persian subtitles, emphasised its broad appeal - to an entire country at a time of traditional celebration rather than solely to a government whose internal complexities compound the difficulty for US policymakers.

The Guardian

Westminster does not yet have a Tea Party problem to compound the difficulty, though plenty of pretty simplistic rightwingers see the state as an enemy – the British state as well as Brussels.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

That would compound the difficulties that these companies face in the United States, consultants warned.

The New York Times

So the arrival of Maria could compound the difficulties involved in recovering from the disasters.

The New York Times

Bradshaw said the impact of the El Niño would compound the difficulties faced by Pacific countries struggling to cope with the effects of climate change.

The Guardian

Most corn is used as animal feed.Higher corn prices may also compound the difficulties of companies that use corn to produce ethanol as a motor fuel.

The New York Times

The realities of the high cost and slower speeds of wireless modems only compound the difficulties.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compound the difficulty" when you want to emphasize that existing challenges are being made even more significant by additional factors. It's effective in formal writing where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "compound the difficulty" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "make things worse" are often more appropriate in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compound the difficulty" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that an existing problem or challenge is being made more severe or complex. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compound the difficulty" is a grammatically sound and reasonably common expression used to describe the worsening of a challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in formal writing across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. While it's an effective way to precisely convey the escalating nature of a problem, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. Based on the source analysis, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase. When writing, remember that precise phrasing makes your communication more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacerbate the challenge

Replaces 'compound' with 'exacerbate', focusing on worsening the challenge.

increase the complexity

Shifts focus to the rise in complexity rather than directly stating difficulty.

aggravate the problem

Substitutes 'compound' with 'aggravate', emphasizing the worsening of an existing problem.

worsen the situation

Uses a more general term 'situation' instead of 'difficulty', indicating a broader negative impact.

add to the burden

Focuses on adding weight or strain to an existing difficulty.

magnify the issue

Highlights the enlargement or amplification of the problem.

heighten the adversity

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'adversity', suggesting a more formidable challenge.

intensify the struggle

Emphasizes the increase in the intensity of a struggle or effort.

make matters worse

A more informal way of saying "compound the difficulty", implying a negative addition to an already bad situation.

add fuel to the fire

A figurative expression indicating the worsening of a situation by adding something negative.

FAQs

How can I use "compound the difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "compound the difficulty" to describe how a situation becomes more challenging due to additional factors. For example, "Unexpected delays will "compound the difficulty" of completing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "compound the difficulty"?

Alternatives include "exacerbate the challenge", "increase the complexity", or "worsen the situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "compound the difficulty" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "compound the difficulty" is suitable for formal writing. It is a precise way to express that something is making a situation more challenging.

What's the difference between "compound the difficulty" and "make things worse"?

"Compound the difficulty" is more formal and specific, implying that something is adding to existing challenges. "Make things worse" is more general and can apply to a broader range of situations. Using "compound the difficulty" suggests a more measured and analytical perspective.