to compound the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to compound the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where an issue is made worse by additional factors or complications. Example: "The lack of communication between departments served to compound the problem, leading to further misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

To compound the problem, Shackleton had reduced the funds available to Mackintosh from £2,000 to £1,000, expecting him to bridge the difference by soliciting for supplies as free gifts and by mortgaging the ship.

Wikipedia

To compound the problem, Christians find it easier to emigrate.

The Economist

The lack of new antibiotics in development threatens to compound the problem, Davies adds.

The Guardian

To compound the problem, I hit some bad shots after that".

The New York Times - Sports

Now, to compound the problem, cash must be thrown at any contract that threatens further reputational damage.

The Guardian - Business

To compound the problem, he had been eating cold cuts, cheap and readily available, which made his condition even worse.

The New York Times - Health

To compound the problem, the Ravens also lost Lardarius Webb, their best cornerback; he has a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The New York Times - Sports

"If you condition assistance to a whole population on that kind of criteria, you are probably likely to compound the problem and make it worse," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The appointment of Dr. David Baltimore as president in 1989 seemed only to compound the problems.

The New York Times

To compound the problems, one month after school opened last fall, teachers went on strike.

The New York Times

To compound the problems presented by a shrinking tax base, Detroit has been blighted by years of financial mismanagement.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to compound the problem" when you want to emphasize that an existing issue is being made worse by additional factors. It adds a layer of complexity to the description.

Common error

While "to compound the problem" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with simpler alternatives like "to worsen the problem" or "to make matters worse" to maintain readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to compound the problem" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the verb in the main clause, indicating that something is intensifying or worsening an existing issue. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to compound the problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the worsening of an existing issue due to additional factors. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most often found in News & Media, but also Science and Wiki contexts, conveying a neutral but slightly formal tone. When writing, it's best to use it judiciously and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "to exacerbate the situation" or "to worsen the problem" for variety. Being aware of its function and context helps ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to exacerbate the situation

Replaces "compound" with "exacerbate", focusing on worsening the overall situation.

to worsen the problem

Uses simpler language, directly stating that the problem becomes worse.

to aggravate the issue

Substitutes "compound" with "aggravate", highlighting the intensification of the issue.

to add fuel to the fire

Employs a metaphor to describe making the problem more intense.

to make matters worse

A common idiomatic expression for increasing the severity of a situation.

to complicate the matter

Focuses on making the issue more complex and difficult to resolve.

to intensify the difficulty

Highlights the increase in the level of difficulty of the existing situation.

to magnify the challenge

Suggests that the challenge is increased substantially.

to inflate the problem

Suggests an artificial increase in the size or importance of the issue.

to deepen the crisis

Implies that the problem develops into a more significant crisis.

FAQs

How can I use "to compound the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "to compound the problem" to introduce an additional factor that worsens an existing issue. For example, "The company was already facing financial difficulties; to compound the problem, a key client withdrew their contract."

What are some alternatives to "to compound the problem"?

Alternatives include "to exacerbate the situation", "to worsen the problem", or "to aggravate the issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "to compound the problem" than "to make matters worse"?

Yes, "to compound the problem" is generally considered more formal than "to make matters worse". The former is often used in professional or academic writing, while the latter is more common in everyday conversation.

Can "to compound the problem" be used in positive contexts?

No, "to compound the problem" is typically used in negative contexts to describe how something makes a bad situation even worse. It is not suitable for describing positive developments.