further complicated matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "further complicated matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation that has become more complex or difficult due to additional factors or events. Example: "The unexpected delay in shipping further complicated matters, making it hard for the team to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Network Security

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Emerging trends – including cloud computing, user mobility and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – have further complicated matters, increasing the attack surface while diminishing the efficacy of traditional perimeter defences.

Network Security

But the Trump administration further complicated matters by live-tweeting the hearing from Trump's @POTUS account — which promptly led to one of the representatives asking Comey to fact-check the tweets.

TechCrunch

Deceptive markings on helicopters further complicated matters for NATO pilots.

Wikipedia

This transaction further complicated matters, intertwining Weinstein's money with amfAR and ART's.

Huffington Post

Archbishop Brandão's sudden death on 6 July 1678 further complicated matters, and the Cathedral chapter administering the Archdiocese of Goa following the vacancy created by his death, forbade the Canara Catholics from receiving the sacraments from the bishop or from priests appointed by him.

Wikipedia

The latest discoveries have further complicated matters.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The earth further complicates matters.

The New York Times

High household debt further complicates matters.

The Economist

Inflation tumbles, too, further complicating matters.

The Economist

The record itself further complicates matters.

The New York Times - Sports

Questions of scale further complicate matters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs if the situation warrants. While "further complicated matters" is generally suitable, verbs like 'exacerbated' or 'compounded' can add more impact.

Common error

Avoid using "further complicated matters" when describing situations that are already straightforward. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Simpler phrasing might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "further complicated matters" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something has increased the complexity or difficulty of an existing situation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English and indicates a worsening of a circumstance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "further complicated matters" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe situations where existing complexities have increased. As Ludwig AI confirms, its presence in diverse sources such as news outlets, scientific articles, and encyclopedias underscores its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure that its use is appropriate to the context, avoiding overcomplication in simple scenarios. Consider related phrases like "exacerbated the situation" or "compounded the issue" for nuanced expression. While a relatively rare phrase, mastering its usage enhances descriptive capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compounded the issue

Emphasizes the cumulative effect of adding to an existing problem.

exacerbated the situation

Highlights the worsening of an already negative situation.

added another layer of complexity

Focuses on the introduction of additional complex elements.

muddied the waters

Suggests that the situation has become unclear or confusing.

deepened the problem

Indicates that the problem has become more severe.

introduced new challenges

Focuses on the emergence of new obstacles.

made things even more difficult

Directly states that the situation is now harder to manage.

intensified the predicament

Highlights the increasing intensity of a difficult situation.

threw a wrench into the works

Emphasizes the disruptive impact of a new element.

complicated the equation

Indicates that a situation has become more difficult to analyze or resolve.

FAQs

How can I use "further complicated matters" in a sentence?

You can use "further complicated matters" to describe a situation that has become more complex due to an additional factor. For example, "The lack of funding "further complicated matters" for the research team".

What are some alternatives to "further complicated matters"?

Alternatives include "exacerbated the situation", "compounded the issue", or "added another layer of complexity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "further complicated the situation" or "further complicated matters"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "further complicated matters" is more general. "Further complicated the situation" is more specific, referring to a particular situation already mentioned. The choice depends on the context and desired level of specificity.

What's the difference between "complicated matters" and "further complicated matters"?

"Complicated matters" refers to an already complex situation. "Further complicated matters" implies that something has happened to make an existing complex situation even more complex.