this compounded the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this compounded the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular issue has made an existing problem worse or more complex. Example: "The lack of communication among team members was already a challenge, and the sudden change in leadership only compounded the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This compounded the problems of securing food, supplies, intelligence data and recruits.

Wikipedia

This compounds the problem for low-level offenders, who make up 93 percent of those convicted of drug trafficking.

The New York Times

This has compounded the problem, the report adds.

The Guardian

This further compounded the problem of being older in an already competitive academic job market.

Science Magazine

But the solutions the post-Thatcher settlement has offered to this tension have only compounded the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over time, this has compounded the problems associated with genetic bottlenecks that were primarily created during the domestication process and led to the cryptic form of genetic erosion that dramatically slows the rate of genetic gain (McCouch et al. 2007).

Rice

Instead, Rojas compounded the problem.

The New York Times - Sports

More rain yesterday only compounded the problem.

Independent

Tears just compounded the problem.

Huffington Post

The hurricane compounded the problem.

Vice

"This really compounds the problem with the existing de facto moratorium in the gulf.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this compounded the problem", ensure that the preceding context clearly identifies the initial problem being exacerbated. This ensures clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "this compounded the problem" when there isn't a clearly established initial problem. Ensure that the first issue is well-defined before stating that something made it worse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this compounded the problem" functions as a causal connector, indicating that a previously mentioned situation or event has worsened an existing issue. The AI insights confirm its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate it in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this compounded the problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a prior situation has worsened an existing issue. While there are no exact matches in Ludwig, the AI analysis confirms its correctness and general usability. The phrase functions as a causal connector, expressing the negative impact of a preceding factor. It maintains a neutral register and can be found across various contexts, though its frequency is currently unquantifiable based on available examples. Alternatives include "this exacerbated the situation" or "this worsened the issue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this exacerbated the situation

Replaces "compounded" with "exacerbated", focusing on the worsening aspect.

this aggravated the problem

Uses "aggravated" to emphasize the increase in severity of the problem.

this worsened the issue

A more straightforward substitution, replacing "compounded the problem" with "worsened the issue".

this further complicated matters

Highlights the increase in complexity rather than severity.

this added fuel to the fire

An idiomatic expression indicating that the situation has been made more intense.

this made matters worse

A general expression indicating a negative impact.

this deepened the crisis

Suggests the problem has become more profound or intense.

this intensified the difficulty

Focuses on the amplification of the difficulty.

this magnified the challenges

Emphasizes that the challenges have become larger or more significant.

this contributed to the deterioration

Focuses on the contribution to a decline in condition.

FAQs

How can I use "this compounded the problem" in a sentence?

Use "this compounded the problem" to show that a situation worsened because of an additional factor. For example, "The initial lack of funding was a major obstacle; this compounded the problem and delayed the project further."

What are some alternatives to saying "this compounded the problem"?

You can use alternatives like "this exacerbated the situation", "this aggravated the problem", or "this worsened the issue".

Is it better to say "this compounded the problem" or "this exacerbated the problem"?

Both "this compounded the problem" and "this exacerbated the problem" are correct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Compounded" implies an additive effect, while "exacerbated" suggests a more severe worsening.

What does "this" refer to when using "this compounded the problem"?

In the phrase "this compounded the problem", "this" refers to a previously mentioned situation, event, or factor. It acts as a pronoun linking the new information to the existing issue, indicating that it made the situation worse.