compounding this problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compounding this problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors that are making an existing issue worse or more complex. Example: "The lack of communication among team members is compounding this problem, making it harder to find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

In Joan's case, compounding this problem, are slippages between two sets of records.

The Guardian - Books

Compounding this problem, unethical negotiating behavior can be difficult for outsiders to detect.

Harvard University

Also compounding this problem are resonator design requirements imposed by the soliton physics.

Nature

Compounding this problem has been the continuing failure of our Albany representatives to secure additional aid for New Rochelle.

The New York Times

Compounding this problem is the fact that being a public company is no longer as alluring as it once was.

The New Yorker

Compounding this problem, said William Colton, an assemblyman who represents Gravesend and Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, the Sanitation Department has not been picking up improperly sorted trash, leaving it on the street for a longer period of time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The aftermath of 9/11 has compounded this problem.

The Guardian - Music

Mr Erdogan's own autocratic tendencies compound this problem.

The Economist

Legislation recently passed in Congress is likely to compound this problem).

The New Yorker

And experts tend to compound this problem with their reluctance to admit their mistakes.

The New York Times

The twin revolutions in communications and technology have further compounded this problem.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compounding this problem" to clearly signal that you are about to introduce an additional factor that exacerbates an existing issue. This helps maintain clarity and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "compounding this problem" merely as a transition phrase without a clear connection to a previously identified issue. Ensure there's a distinct problem already established in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compounding this problem" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to connect two related ideas, signaling that the second idea (introduced after the phrase) is adding to or intensifying the negative impact of the first idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compounding this problem" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that an existing issue is being made worse by an additional factor. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and professional writing. While highly frequent, it's crucial to ensure it connects logically to a previously identified issue, to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "exacerbating this issue" or "aggravating this situation" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. The widespread presence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its importance in clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacerbating this issue

Replaces "compounding" with "exacerbating", emphasizing the worsening of the issue.

aggravating this situation

Uses "aggravating" instead of "compounding", highlighting the irritating or annoying aspect of the situation becoming worse.

worsening this dilemma

Substitutes "compounding" with "worsening" and "problem" with "dilemma", focusing on the intensification of a difficult choice or situation.

complicating this matter

Replaces "compounding" with "complicating" and "problem" with "matter", suggesting an increase in complexity.

further complicating the problem

Adds "further" for emphasis and slightly rephrases the sentence structure to highlight increasing complexity.

adding to this difficulty

Uses a different construction, focusing on the additive nature of the worsening effect.

intensifying this challenge

Replaces "compounding" with "intensifying" and "problem" with "challenge", emphasizing the increase in the intensity of a difficult task.

magnifying the difficulty

Uses "magnifying" to suggest that the difficulty is being made larger or more significant.

augmenting the problem

Replaces "compounding" with "augmenting", suggesting that the problem is being increased in size or quantity.

fuelling the problem

Replaces "compounding" with "fuelling", suggesting that the problem is increasing.

FAQs

How can I use "compounding this problem" in a sentence?

Use "compounding this problem" to introduce an additional factor that is worsening an existing issue. For example, "The initial budget cuts were problematic; "compounding this problem", additional funding requests were denied."

What are some alternatives to "compounding this problem"?

You can use alternatives like "exacerbating this issue", "aggravating this situation", or "worsening this dilemma" depending on the context.

Is "compounding this problem" formal or informal?

"Compounding this problem" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. While not overly formal, it maintains a level of sophistication appropriate for academic, business, and news reporting.

What's the difference between ""compounding this problem"" and "complicating this matter"?

"Compounding this problem" implies that the situation is getting worse, while "complicating this matter" suggests that the situation is becoming more complex or difficult to understand. The former focuses on negative impact, the latter on increased intricacy.