make things more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make things more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or action that complicates matters or creates additional challenges. Example: "The new regulations will make things more difficult for small businesses trying to comply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can make things more difficult".

The Guardian

It could make things more difficult".

The New York Times - Sports

"Will the disaster make things more difficult?

The New York Times

So I don't think it'll make things more difficult.

The New York Times

This seems a direct attempt to make things more difficult.

The Guardian - Money

The idea is to make things more difficult for an advanced player.

The New York Times

But the British decision could also make things more difficult domestically for Mr. Hollande, he said.

The New York Times

But it would surely make things more difficult for would-be attackers.

The New Yorker

"For the time being, it will make things more difficult for the terrorists".

The New York Times

"The authority to take them out," he said, "will make things more difficult".

The New York Times

"They don't understand Islam and they will make things more difficult for all of us".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make things more difficult", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "complicate matters" or "present challenges" might be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

While "make things more difficult" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "exacerbate" or "impede" in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make things more difficult" functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of complicating a situation or creating additional challenges. Ludwig, confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make things more difficult" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe actions or situations that complicate matters. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable in a wide range of contexts. While widely used, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science, consider substituting it with more formal alternatives like "complicate matters" or "exacerbate problems" in professional settings. Be mindful of overuse, and consider the specific nuance you want to convey to ensure clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Complicate matters

Focuses on adding complexity or intricacy to a situation.

Introduce complications

Highlights the addition of elements that make a situation more intricate.

Create obstacles

Highlights the introduction of impediments or barriers.

Present challenges

Emphasizes the introduction of difficulties that require effort to overcome.

Exacerbate problems

Focuses on worsening existing issues.

Hinder progress

Highlights the slowing down or obstruction of advancement.

Aggravate the situation

Focuses on worsening an already negative state.

Set back

To delay the progress of something

Throw a wrench in the works

An idiomatic expression for disrupting a plan or process.

Impose hardship

Highlights the negative impact something has on someone

FAQs

How can I use "make things more difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "make things more difficult" to describe actions or situations that complicate matters or create additional challenges. For example: "The new regulations will "make things more difficult" for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "make things more difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "complicate matters", "present challenges", or "exacerbate problems" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make things more difficult" or "complicate matters"?

Both phrases are correct, but "complicate matters" may be more suitable for formal writing. "Make things more difficult" is generally more versatile and appropriate for everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "make things more difficult" and "create obstacles"?

"Make things more difficult" is a general statement about adding complexity or challenges. "Create obstacles" specifically implies the introduction of impediments or barriers that hinder progress.