to compound matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to compound matters" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where things are made worse or more complicated. Example: The heavy rain caused flooding in the city, and to compound matters, the power went out, leaving many residents stranded without electricity or clean water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To compound matters we even took out the broad beans.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To compound matters, two of their sons died in childhood.

The New York Times

To compound matters, Wolves have been fragile defensively.

The Guardian - Sport

To compound matters, it does not attribute specific quotes.

The Guardian - Books

And to compound matters further, front ends can be connected in series!

Columbia University

To compound matters, McLeish has had problems with two of his senior players.

The Guardian - Sport

To compound matters for Forest, Damien Perquis was sent off late-on.

The Guardian - Sport

To compound matters, this was written by Deborah Hyde, editor of The Skeptic magazine.

The Guardian

To compound matters, the diversity of today's workforce only makes listening more difficult.

Harvard Business Review

To compound matters, "Just" Jack Allsopp himself has moved to a mews flat around the corner.

Independent

To compound matters, the Greek government revokes his passport and strands him offshore on a barge floating in international waters.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to compound matters" to smoothly transition to an additional, complicating factor in a narrative or argument. It enhances flow and emphasizes the worsening situation.

Common error

Avoid using "to compound matters" when a simpler conjunction like "and" or "furthermore" suffices. Reserve it for situations where the added element genuinely exacerbates a negative situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to compound matters" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to connect two clauses, indicating that the second clause introduces a factor that worsens or complicates the situation described in the first clause. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to compound matters" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce an element that exacerbates an existing negative situation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. While suitable for various contexts, writers should avoid overuse in simple situations where a basic conjunction would suffice. Its frequency and consistent application make it a reliable choice for conveying worsening circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to complicate matters

Replaces "compound" with "complicate", focusing on the act of making something more complex.

to worsen matters

A more direct and less idiomatic way to say "to compound matters".

to make matters worse

Emphasizes the negative impact of the added element.

to exacerbate the situation

Focuses on the worsening of the current situation.

to add insult to injury

Highlights an injustice being exacerbated.

on top of that

An informal way of indicating an additional negative element.

as if that weren't enough

Expresses surprise or exasperation at the compounding issue.

furthermore

A more general term for adding additional information, which may or may not worsen the situation.

moreover

Similar to 'furthermore', but with a slightly more formal tone.

in addition

A neutral way to add information, without necessarily implying a negative consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "to compound matters" in a sentence?

Use "to compound matters" to introduce a further difficulty or complication to an existing situation. For example, "The project was already behind schedule, and "to compound matters", several team members called in sick."

What are some alternatives to "to compound matters"?

Alternatives include "to complicate matters", "to make matters worse", or "furthermore". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to compound matters" formal or informal?

"To compound matters" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "moreover" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "to compound matters" and "in addition"?

"To compound matters" implies that the additional information worsens the situation, whereas "in addition" simply adds more information without necessarily implying a negative impact.