exacerbate the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'exacerbate the problem' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to make a problem worse, so you can use it when you want to describe a situation that is becoming more difficult or complicated. For example, "The government's proposed policy change would only exacerbate the problem of poverty in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cultural attitudes can also exacerbate the problem.

The Guardian

Housing benefit cuts will exacerbate the problem.

The Guardian

Yet these strategies tend to entrench and exacerbate the problem.

The Guardian

Piketty predicts that Trump will only exacerbate the problem.

The Guardian

Campaigners have said welfare changes will exacerbate the problem.

The Guardian

Parental attitudes may, in some cases, exacerbate the problem.

Independent

Divisions fighting for resources and attention can exacerbate the problem.

The New York Times

Worse, retirements and inadequate recruitment will exacerbate the problem.

The Economist

The more we grow using conventional methods, the more we exacerbate the problem.

The Guardian

The health care bill, agencies and experts said, would only exacerbate the problem.

The New York Times

This can exacerbate the problem for people whose jobs involve work on a computer.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exacerbate the problem", ensure that the context clearly identifies the existing problem. Avoid vague references that leave the reader unsure of what is being worsened.

Common error

While "exacerbate the problem" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "worsen", "aggravate", or "compound" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exacerbate the problem" functions as a verb phrase, where 'exacerbate' is the verb and 'the problem' is the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is correct. It describes the action of making a situation or issue worse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exacerbate the problem" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of making a problem worse. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and wiki sources, indicating broad applicability across different contexts. While the phrase is suitable for formal and informal settings, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overuse by considering alternatives like "worsen the issue" or "aggravate the situation". Understanding its function and purpose allows for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsen the issue

This alternative directly replaces "exacerbate" with "worsen" and "problem" with "issue", maintaining a high degree of similarity.

aggravate the situation

This option replaces "exacerbate" with "aggravate" and "problem" with "situation", offering a slightly more formal tone.

compound the difficulty

This alternative uses "compound" to indicate making something worse and replaces "problem" with "difficulty".

heighten the crisis

This phrase suggests a more intense worsening of the situation, using "crisis" to imply a critical problem.

intensify the challenge

This alternative uses "intensify" and "challenge" to convey a similar meaning, but with a focus on the difficulty of the problem.

fuel the crisis

This conveys the idea of adding to or worsening an existing crisis, implying a rapid worsening of the situation.

add fuel to the fire

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

make matters worse

This alternative is a more general way of saying that something will worsen the current situation.

deepen the divide

This implies that the problem is a division or disagreement that will be made more profound.

magnify the impact

This phrase suggests that the negative consequences or effects of something will be amplified.

FAQs

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

You can use "exacerbate the problem" to describe actions or situations that worsen an existing issue. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols will "exacerbate the problem" of workplace accidents."

What are some alternatives to saying "exacerbate the problem"?

Alternatives include "worsen the issue", "aggravate the situation", or "compound the difficulty". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "exacerbate the problem" a formal or informal expression?

"Exacerbate the problem" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts. However, it can also be used in informal settings when a more precise and impactful expression is desired.

What is the difference between "exacerbate the problem" and "solve the problem"?

"Exacerbate the problem" means to make a problem worse, while "solve the problem" means to find a solution and eliminate the issue. These phrases are antonyms, representing opposite actions concerning a problem.