contribute to the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"contribute to the problem" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe how a particular action or behavior has a negative affect on a particular situation. For example: "His constant lateness to work has started to contribute to the problem of low employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You'll only contribute to the problem by alienating people".

The New York Times

In some cases, however, police departments contribute to the problem.

The New York Times

Research has revealed doctors' tendency to contribute to the problem by avoiding making prognoses.

The New York Times

And you know, the rates of infection from parasites, poor nutrition, all contribute to the problem.

The New York Times - Science

But rather more of them are likely to contribute to the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ill-fitting shoes contribute to the problem, and persisting in wearing them can make it worse.

The New York Times

Mellis says that poverty and the lack of agricultural equipment contribute to the problem.

The New Yorker

The trauma of cancer itself can contribute to the problem, many doctors and parents believe.

The New York Times

As a model you must have worked for businesses that contribute to the problem.

The Guardian

When it comes to drinking and older teenagers, relaxed parental attitudes can contribute to the problem.

The New York Times

The mothers and daughters also contribute to the problem through their own behavior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contribute to the problem", ensure you clearly identify what action or factor is worsening the situation. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

While acceptable, consider stronger verbs like "exacerbate" or "aggravate" in formal writing to convey a more precise impact on the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contribute to the problem" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a particular action, factor, or entity has a negative impact on an existing issue. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used to describe actions that worsen a situation. Examples from Ludwig illustrate various contexts where this phrase is applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contribute to the problem" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of worsening an existing issue. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both valid and frequently employed in written English to express how certain actions or behaviors have a detrimental effect on a particular situation. It appears most often in news and media sources, followed by scientific and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, writers should consider stronger verbs like "exacerbate" or "aggravate" in formal settings for more precise impact. When using the phrase, make sure to clearly identify the actions or factors that are worsening the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacerbate the problem

This alternative implies making the problem noticeably worse.

worsen the situation

This alternative is broader and can apply to any situation, not just a pre-existing problem.

aggravate the issue

This suggests making an already bad issue more serious or intense.

add to the problem

This is a more general way of saying something makes the problem bigger.

compound the difficulty

Implies that something is adding to an already difficult situation, making it even more complex.

fuel the problem

This suggests that something is actively making the problem grow and spread.

intensify the crisis

This is stronger and more specific, suitable for serious or urgent situations.

complicate matters

This suggests adding complexity to a situation, potentially making it harder to resolve.

make things worse

This is a simple and direct way of saying that something is having a negative impact.

add insult to injury

This is an idiomatic expression meaning to make a bad situation even worse.

FAQs

How can I use "contribute to the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "contribute to the problem" to describe how an action or factor worsens a situation. For instance, "His lack of communication skills "contributes to the problem" of team disorganization."

What are some alternatives to "contribute to the problem"?

Alternatives include "exacerbate the problem", "worsen the situation", or "aggravate the issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "contribute to the problem" or "contribute to solving the problem"?

It depends on the context. "Contribute to the problem" implies worsening the situation, while "contribute to solving the problem" suggests helping to resolve it. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the action's impact.

What's the difference between "contribute to the problem" and "cause the problem"?

"Cause the problem" implies being the origin or primary reason for the issue. "Contribute to the problem" means adding to an existing issue, not necessarily starting it. For example, smoking doesn't cause air pollution, but it can "contribute to the problem".