continue to aggravate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to aggravate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an ongoing action that causes annoyance or irritation. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site continues to aggravate the residents in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It can result in a new dream for South Africans or continue to aggravate the country's disenchanted population.

Vice

This is a particular concern for South Asian countries as unbalanced growth of urban areas and poor urban planning continue to aggravate the problem.

F1000Research

Toothpastes or mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate can cause canker sores and continue to aggravate them.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's a sensibility reflected in debates about affirmative action, which continues to aggravate tensions between blacks and Jews.

The New York Times

BEIRUT — As the 20-month-long conflict in Syria continues to aggravate the frictions between Sunni and Shiite Muslim groups in Lebanon, other sectarian groups, and notably the country's Christian and Druze minorities, are trying to distance themselves from the rising tensions.

The New York Times

My neck continued to aggravate me as another fever flared.

Huffington Post

PPARC decided to increase its student numbers by 50% between 2003-2007, a decision that probably has aggravated--and likely will continue to aggravate--an already difficult job market.

Science Magazine

State and local governments continue to cut jobs, aggravating the problems in the private sector.

The New York Times

If those expectations continue to decline, they will aggravate fears of a deflationary spiral, in which people begin to save money because they are worried about layoffs, salary cuts and debt payments and because they expect the prices of many products to fall in the months ahead.

The New York Times

In spite of responses to climate variability, losses due to climatic hazards such as droughts continue to limit agricultural productivity, aggravating poverty levels (Eakin 2000).

Environmental Management

[ 6] Alternatively will the insistence on intellectual property rights and reduction in the biological diversity of agricultural products disrupt the economies of poor nations and ensure that food prices continue to rise and malnutrition aggravated?

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing the phrase if simpler or more direct language can convey the same meaning with greater clarity, depending on your audience.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "continue to aggravate" can sometimes sound awkward or overly formal. Opt for more concise alternatives like "worsen" or "exacerbate" to maintain a smoother flow and greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to aggravate" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action that is worsening a pre-existing negative situation. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is frequently found in contexts describing problems that are not only persisting but also intensifying.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continue to aggravate" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe an ongoing action that worsens a situation. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's worth noting that its frequency is rare. Its usage is prevalent across news, science, and wiki sources, lending it a neutral yet slightly formal tone. When writing, consider whether a more direct alternative might be preferable, and ensure the context clearly establishes the initial problem being worsened.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist in worsening

Focuses on the continuous nature of deterioration, emphasizing the ongoing negative change.

keep exacerbating

Highlights the act of making something already bad even worse, with an emphasis on the active contribution.

further intensify

Emphasizes the escalation of intensity, suggesting a rise in strength or degree of something.

perpetuate the irritation

Specifically addresses the continuation of annoyance or frustration, stressing the ongoing nature of the aggravation.

sustain the aggravation

Highlights the act of prolonging or maintaining the state of aggravation.

keep fueling the problem

Illustrates the action of adding to the factors that contribute to a problem, making it worse over time.

prolong the discomfort

Specifically emphasizes the continuation of physical or emotional unease.

add fuel to the fire

Idiomatic expression indicating the worsening of an already difficult situation.

compound the problem

Focuses on the act of adding additional issues to an existing problem, thus making it more complex and severe.

continue to inflame

Implies ongoing instigation or stirring up of negative feelings or situations.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to aggravate" in a sentence?

You can use "continue to aggravate" to describe something that is making a situation worse over time. For example, "The lack of communication "continues to aggravate" the tension between the teams".

What are some alternatives to "continue to aggravate"?

Some alternatives include "persist in worsening", "keep exacerbating", or "further intensify", depending on the specific context.

Is "continue to aggravate" formal or informal?

"Continue to aggravate" is relatively neutral but can sometimes sound formal. Consider the audience and context when deciding whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "aggravate" and "exacerbate"?

"Aggravate" generally means to make something bad worse or more serious, while "exacerbate" also means to make something worse but often implies a more significant or intense increase in severity. Both words are often interchangeable but their slightly different connotations can make one more appropriate than the other in specific contexts.