the problem has worsened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem has worsened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation that has deteriorated or become more serious over time. Example: "Despite our efforts to address the issue, the problem has worsened, leading to further complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mr Chávez promised a "humanisation" programme.Instead, the problem has worsened on his watch.

The Economist

Moreover, there is evidence that the problem has worsened over the last few decades.

The New York Times

The problem has worsened as the economy continues to falter, foreclosures rise and more people are unemployed.

The New York Times

In 2003 French producers did the same to cope with a heatwave.In some ways the problem has worsened.

The Economist

And while that has been true for years, the problem has worsened as the waistlines of America's youth have expanded.

The New York Times

Hamdam sees the problem has worsened over the past decade as "weak and corrupt leaders" ascended to power.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But he said that the law firm had fallen "behind, desperately behind" and that the problem had worsened.

The New York Times

Scott Lindsay, the mayor's public safety adviser, said property crime had fallen by 10% in 2015, but that in some neighbourhoods the problem had worsened.

The Guardian

Some American officers say it is no coincidence that the problems have worsened at a critical juncture for the Awakening movement and for American forces.

The New York Times

Since the 1960s, the pollution problem has worsened, which led to increasing attention on environmental protection.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

The paper chase For richer, for smarter Mars in the descendant ReprintsThe problem has worsened since the proliferation of digital information has made discovery more complicated and expensive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the problem has worsened" to clearly indicate a negative change or decline in a specific situation. Ensure the context provides a clear reference to what the 'problem' is.

Common error

Avoid using "the problem has worsened" without clearly defining what 'the problem' refers to. Provide sufficient context to ensure the reader understands the specific issue that has deteriorated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem has worsened" functions as a statement indicating a deterioration or escalation of a previously existing issue. It's a declarative statement expressing that a specific problem is not only ongoing but has also become more severe. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the problem has worsened" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a situation has deteriorated. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable sources, confirming its validity and versatility. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts and is suitable for neutral and informative communication. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the 'problem' to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's effectiveness in conveying negative changes, making it a valuable tool for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation has deteriorated

Changes the noun from 'problem' to 'situation' and uses 'deteriorated' instead of 'worsened'.

the issue has escalated

Replaces 'problem' with 'issue' and 'worsened' with 'escalated', indicating an increase in severity.

the matter has become more serious

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the increased severity of the situation.

the condition has degraded

Employs 'condition' in place of 'problem' and 'degraded' as a substitute for 'worsened'.

the crisis has deepened

Substitutes 'problem' with 'crisis' and 'worsened' with 'deepened', suggesting a more intense negative impact.

the predicament has intensified

Replaces 'problem' with 'predicament' and 'worsened' with 'intensified' to highlight the growing difficulty.

things have gone from bad to worse

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a decline in circumstances.

the state of affairs has declined

Offers a more formal way to express that the circumstances have worsened.

the troubles have amplified

Substitutes 'problem' with 'troubles' and 'worsened' with 'amplified' to emphasize the increased intensity of difficulties.

the blight has augmented

Uses a more formal and literary tone, replacing 'problem' with 'blight' and 'worsened' with 'augmented'.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the problem has worsened" in a sentence?

To effectively use "the problem has worsened", ensure you clearly define the problem you are referencing. For example, instead of saying "The problem has worsened", provide context such as "Despite the new policies, the unemployment problem has worsened".

What are some alternatives to saying "the problem has worsened"?

You can use alternatives like "the situation has deteriorated", "the issue has escalated", or "the matter has become more serious" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the problem has worsened"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, with 'the problem' as the subject and 'has worsened' as the verb in the present perfect tense.

What's the difference between "the problem has worsened" and "the problem persists"?

"The problem has worsened" indicates that the problem has not only continued but has also become more severe. "The problem persists" simply means the problem continues to exist without necessarily implying an increase in severity.