is aggravated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is aggravated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has become worse or more severe, often in a medical or emotional context. Example: "The patient's condition is aggravated by the lack of proper treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The political tension is aggravated by economic woes.

The Economist

And the rift is aggravated by mutual recrimination.

The New York Times

The problem in the Bronx is aggravated by other factors.

The New York Times

"Asthma is aggravated by dirty surroundings, crowding, cockroaches," he said.

The New York Times

The epidemic is aggravated by South Africa's exceptionally high rape rate.

The Economist

This is aggravated, ironically, by today's preponderance of English in the work of EU institutions.

The Economist

Moreover, traffic congestion is aggravated by the narrowness of the streets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, unsurprisingly, bureaucracy is aggravated by elaborate controls intended to curb corruption.

The Economist

The chaos is aggravated by a system dating from the 1950s that relies on radar.

The Economist

The condition is aggravated by warmth, and sudden rewarming is not recommended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His stutter is aggravated by stressful situations, like confronting his brother or addressing the public.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context. While "is aggravated" is suitable for formal and scientific writing, more common phrases like "is made worse" may be better for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is aggravated" when you intend to describe something improving or becoming more positive. "Aggravated" inherently carries a negative connotation and implies worsening, so using it in a positive context can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is aggravated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is being acted upon to become worse or more severe. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is aggravated" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe the worsening of a condition or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedia entries. While "is aggravated" is widely accepted and understood, consider alternatives such as "is worsened" or "is exacerbated" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. Be mindful of avoiding using "is aggravated" to describe something improving as it carries a negative connotation. It is important to ensure your writing stays clear and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is worsened

Direct synonym, indicating a turn for the worse.

is exacerbated

Implies making something already bad even worse.

is intensified

Focuses on the increase in strength or severity.

is compounded

Highlights the addition of further negative elements.

is made worse

A more explicit and straightforward alternative.

is amplified

Suggests a significant increase in effect or intensity.

is heightened

Emphasizes an increase in degree or intensity.

is inflamed

Often used in medical contexts, suggesting increased irritation or swelling.

is deteriorated

Indicates a decline in quality or condition.

is aggravated further

Emphasizes a continuation of the worsening process.

FAQs

How can I use "is aggravated" in a sentence?

Use "is aggravated" to describe a situation that has become worse. For example, "The pain "is aggravated" by physical activity" or "The economic situation "is aggravated" by the new tax policies."

What can I say instead of "is aggravated"?

You can use alternatives like "is worsened", "is exacerbated", or "is intensified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the situation is aggravated"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the situation "is aggravated"". It means the situation has been made worse or more severe.

What is the difference between "is aggravated" and "is exacerbated"?

While both phrases mean that something has become worse, ""is exacerbated"" often implies that the initial condition was already negative, and it has been made even worse. "Is aggravated" can refer to a broader range of situations that have worsened.