enlarge the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"enlarge the problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express a situation where a problem becomes bigger or worse. For example, "The delay in payment will only enlarge the problem for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He had to do something, and he chose to enlarge the problem, beyond the Iraq experience".

The New York Times

Repeated shipments of food, without birth control, simply delay the reckoning a little while and enlarge the problem".

The New York Times

The increasing frequencies of D- and W/γ- type cytoplasm enlarge the problem in designing successful mating combinations because the choice of male parents will be strictly limited, as warned previously by Provan et al. [ 47] and Hosaka and Sanetomo [ 32].

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With low within-household variation, the used of fixed effects can enlarge the problems generated by measurement error.

SERIEs

If people want fake purses, manufacturers will continue to produce and wholesalers will continue to import, enlarging the problem.

The New York Times

He shrank the people but enlarged the problems.

The New York Times - Books

Even if they did, they would only delay and enlarge the underlying problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Coarse discretization of the design variables could adversely affect the final solution, while finer discretization would increasingly enlarge the scale of the problem, leading to higher computation cost.

Scientia Iranica

Generally, coarse discretization of the continuous design variables could adversely affect the quality of the final solution while finer discretization would enlarge the scale of the problem leading to higher computation cost and, occasionally, to low quality solutions.

Advances in Water Resources

The solution must become more sophisticated because the requirement of detailed simulation with more operation processes, uncertainties and time-varying characteristics will increase more variables and enlarge the dimensions of problems in the ADS planning.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

This example also illustrates why adding non-determinism to the original deterministic model \(\mathfrak{T}\) does not enlarge the class of decidable problems.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enlarge the problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates the factors contributing to the problem's expansion. For example, "Ignoring the initial signs will only "enlarge the problem" in the long run".

Common error

Avoid using "enlarge the problem" when you actually mean 'solve the problem inadequately'. "Enlarging" implies making something bigger and worse, not simply failing to fix it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enlarge the problem" functions as a verb phrase where "enlarge" acts as a transitive verb, taking "the problem" as its direct object. The phrase describes the action of making a problem bigger or more significant. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and used in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enlarge the problem" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase that implies making a problem bigger or more complex. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Although it is not a very common phrase, its usage spans across news, science, and general contexts. When writing, ensure you're accurately conveying the idea of a problem's escalation rather than simply a failure to solve it. Consider using alternative phrases like "exacerbate the issue" for a stronger emphasis on worsening the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exacerbate the issue

Emphasizes the worsening of the problem.

Intensify the difficulty

Focuses on increasing the intensity of the challenge.

Compound the complications

Highlights the addition of new layers of complexity to the existing problem.

Magnify the predicament

Stresses the amplification or enlargement of the difficult situation.

Aggravate the situation

Points to the worsening of the overall condition.

Amplify the crisis

Highlights the escalation of a critical situation.

Fuel the trouble

Suggests adding elements that make the problem stronger.

Escalate the conflict

Indicates an increase in the level of disagreement or struggle.

Worsen the dilemma

Emphasizes the deterioration of a difficult choice or situation.

Extend the scope of the problem

Focuses on broadening the reach or area affected by the problem.

FAQs

What does it mean to "enlarge the problem"?

To "enlarge the problem" means to make it bigger, more complex, or more difficult to solve. It suggests that actions or inactions have contributed to the problem's expansion.

How can I use "enlarge the problem" in a sentence?

You might say, "Ignoring the safety regulations will only "enlarge the problem" and lead to serious consequences." or "His attempt to fix the issue without proper training only served to "enlarge the problem".

What is a good alternative to "enlarge the problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "exacerbate the issue", "intensify the difficulty", or "aggravate the situation".

Is it correct to say "increase the problem" instead of "enlarge the problem"?

While "increase the problem" is understandable, "enlarge the problem" often implies not just an increase in size, but also in complexity and scope. Thus, using a phrase like "exacerbate the issue" might be more appropriate.