it doesn't help that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it doesn't help that" is correct and can be used in written English.
An example of using this phrase could be: "I already have a lot on my plate, and it doesn't help that my car broke down this morning." This means that the situation of the car breaking down has made things worse, or more difficult, for the speaker. Another example could be: "It doesn't help that the weather is so unpredictable. I never know how to dress for the day." This means that the unpredictable weather is causing inconvenience or difficulty for the speaker. In general, this phrase is used to express that a certain factor or circumstance is making a situation worse or more difficult.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It doesn't help that Corsicans love weapons.

The New York Times

But it doesn't help that much.

The New Yorker

It doesn't help that work eats up more time.

The New York Times

It doesn't help that Syria is a police state.

The Guardian

It doesn't help that Edward has a quasi-unsavory side.

The New York Times - Books

It doesn't help that Dad flirts with Suzanne.

The New York Times - Books

It doesn't help that Tottenham is the most adventurous in the competition.

The New York Times - Sports

It doesn't help that psychology has traditionally looked for universals in one group: American college students.

The New York Times - Books

(It doesn't help that "Schiller" is two things at once, too.

The New Yorker

Of course, it doesn't help that official definitions of runaways tend to exclude the under-16s.

Independent

It doesn't help that figures on graduation and retention for veterans are spotty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it doesn't help that" to introduce a factor that worsens an existing problem. It adds a layer of explanation to why a situation is difficult.

Common error

Avoid using "it doesn't help that" without clearly establishing the initial problem or situation you're referencing. The phrase is most effective when it directly follows a statement of the primary issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it doesn't help that" functions as a causal connector, linking a prior statement or situation with an additional element that exacerbates the issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it doesn't help that" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that functions as a causal connector, primarily used to express frustration by highlighting a factor that compounds an already unfavorable circumstance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in neutral contexts such as news media. When employing this phrase, ensure you've established the primary issue and that the phrase directly follows, making the connection clear for the reader. Remember to avoid platitudes, such as misusing the phrase in isolation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that only makes things worse

Directly states that something is exacerbating the situation.

making a bad situation worse

Directly states that something is exacerbating a negative situation.

to make matters worse

Expresses the idea of compounding an already negative situation; more direct.

this just compounds the problem

Highlights the compounding effect on the existing issue.

to add fuel to the fire

Emphasizes that it intensifies an already heated or problematic issue.

adding insult to injury

Highlights the addition of further negative elements to an already bad situation.

exacerbating the situation

More formal; highlighting something makes a situatuion worse

it further complicates the issue

Highlights that the problem became more intricate.

it only complicates matters

Focuses on the increased complexity caused by a factor.

as if things weren't bad enough

Emphasizes the already negative state before introducing the exacerbating factor.

FAQs

How can I use "it doesn't help that" in a sentence?

Use "it doesn't help that" to introduce a factor that makes a situation worse. For example, "The project is already behind schedule, and "it doesn't help that" half the team is out sick".

What are some alternatives to "it doesn't help that"?

Alternatives include "to make matters worse", "adding insult to injury", or "that only makes things worse", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it doesn't help if" instead of "it doesn't help that"?

While "it doesn't help if" is grammatically correct, ""it doesn't help that"" is more commonly used to introduce a contributing factor to a negative situation. "It doesn't help if" usually implies a condition.

What's the difference between "it doesn't help that" and "it doesn't matter that"?

"It doesn't help that" indicates that something is making a situation worse, while "it doesn't matter that" implies that something is irrelevant or has no impact on the outcome.