make the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"make the problem" is a valid part of a sentence and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when discussing actions or decisions that contribute to the creation of a problem. Example: The company's lack of planning and foresight made the problem worse.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(e) First, I make the problem worse.

The New Yorker

Smaller contributions make the problem worse.

The Economist

New debt"; "It'll make the problem worse".

The New York Times

And this will make the problem worse".

The New York Times - Magazine

Shoppers can make the problem worse.

The New York Times - Food

Silence can make the problem worse.

Harvard Business Review

Step 4: Make the problem concrete.

Harvard Business Review

Tip 2: Make the problem worse Don't make the problem too easy to survive or solve.

The Guardian

But that doesn't make the problem less of a quandary.

The New York Times

Senator Carl Levin's proposal will make the problem worse.

The New York Times

Two things make the problem more pressing now.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make the problem" consider whether a more specific verb like "exacerbate", "worsen", or "aggravate" would provide greater clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "make the problem" in situations where a more nuanced explanation of how the problem is being made worse would be more informative. Instead of simply stating that something "makes the problem worse", elaborate on the specific mechanisms or consequences that lead to the deterioration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the problem" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" acts as a causative verb, indicating that something or someone is causing the problem to worsen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make the problem" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is worsening a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While versatile, consider using more specific verbs like "worsen" or "exacerbate" for enhanced clarity. It's prevalent across news, science, and general writing, as highlighted by Ludwig examples, and is considered to have a neutral tone and a negative connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsen the problem

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the act of making the problem more severe.

aggravate the issue

This phrase is slightly more formal and suggests making an existing issue more troublesome or serious.

exacerbate the situation

Similar to 'worsen', this phrase highlights the act of making a situation more intense or severe.

compound the difficulty

This suggests adding to an existing difficulty, making it more complex or challenging.

contribute to the problem

This phrase emphasizes the aspect of adding to or playing a part in creating or worsening the problem.

add fuel to the fire

This idiom vividly illustrates making a problem worse by adding something that intensifies it.

muddy the waters

This idiom suggests making a situation more confusing or complicated, indirectly worsening it.

fan the flames

This idiom implies actively encouraging a problem to grow or intensify.

pour oil on troubled waters

Using this phrase ironically would mean it does the opposite of its intended purpose.

heighten the crisis

This alternative is more dramatic and suggests increasing the intensity of a crisis.

FAQs

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

You can use "make the problem" to describe actions or decisions that worsen a situation. For example, "Ignoring the warning signs will "make the problem" worse".

What are some alternatives to "make the problem"?

Alternatives include "worsen the problem", "aggravate the issue", or "exacerbate the situation", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make the problem worse"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used to indicate that something is contributing to the worsening of a situation.

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

"Make the problem" implies an action that worsens an existing issue, while "solve the problem" suggests an action that resolves or eliminates the issue.