further complicating things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "further complicating things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation that is becoming more complex or difficult due to additional factors or circumstances. Example: "The unexpected weather changes are further complicating things for the event organizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Further complicating things, Washington was in a contract year.

The New York Times - Sports

Further complicating things, Simon & Schuster moved his deadline up to Jan . 15

The New York Times - Magazine

Further complicating things was the fact that I was drawing on a lived experience.

The New Yorker

(Further complicating things, Tom Brown, the founder of Lex, said of Danger Mouse, "Ultimately he is signed to Lex Records". But he would not elaborate).

The New York Times - Arts

Further complicating things, there is lots of what Dr. Penn calls gunk in the grooves, and the cylinders were recorded at various speeds.

The New York Times - Tech

Further complicating things, the article rolled right through the section about Ms. Ray before offering up the caveat of a broader definition for ghosting cookbooks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"It's going to further complicate things, slow things down a bit," Hots said.

The Guardian

To further complicate things, he lives in Pusan, South Korea, a long way from home in Cincinnati.

The New York Times

"That's a concerning development; it just further complicates things," he said.

The Guardian

To further complicate things, many drug mules have become involved through threat and coercion.

Independent

And to further complicate things, it's not even clear what Peggy really wants him to want.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "further complicating things", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial complex situation before introducing the additional complicating factor. This provides clarity and enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "further complicating things" in situations that are already simple or straightforward. Overusing the phrase can sound overly dramatic and detract from your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "further complicating things" functions as an introductory phrase or clause, typically setting the stage for an additional factor that increases the complexity of a given situation. Ludwig's examples show it used to introduce challenges in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "further complicating things" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce additional complexity to a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its appropriate in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. When using this phrase, ensure that the initial complexity is well-established to maximize its impact. While alternatives like "adding to the complexity" or "making matters worse" exist, the phrase "further complicating things" provides a clear and direct way to signal increased difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicating the scenario even more

This alternative emphasizes the increased complexity of the situation.

introducing further difficulties

This alternative directly states the introduction of new challenges.

making matters worse

This alternative implies that the added complexity has a negative impact.

adding another layer of complexity

This alternative emphasizes the structural addition of difficulty.

compounding the problem

This alternative indicates that the original problem is increasing in scale or intensity.

exacerbating the situation

This alternative suggests that the situation is being made more intense or severe.

deepening the complexity

This alternative suggests that the complexity is becoming more profound.

muddying the waters

This alternative uses a metaphor to indicate confusion and lack of clarity.

making things even more intricate

This alternative highlights the sophisticated and complex nature of the matter.

heightening the challenge

This alternative suggests the situation is becoming more difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "further complicating things" in a sentence?

You can use "further complicating things" to introduce an additional element that adds difficulty to an already complex situation. For example: "The budget cuts are challenging enough, and the unexpected staff turnover is "further complicating things"".

What are some alternatives to "further complicating things"?

Alternatives include phrases like "adding to the complexity", "making matters worse", or "introducing further difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "further complicating things"?

Yes, "further complicating things" is a grammatically correct phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

What's the difference between "further complicating things" and "complicating things further"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the desired emphasis within the sentence. "Complicating things further" often places more emphasis on the action of complicating, while "further complicating things" emphasizes the additional nature of the complication.