was aggravated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was aggravated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been made worse or intensified by a particular factor or event. Example: "The patient's condition was aggravated by the lack of proper medical care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was aggravated by some player infighting that predates his arrival.

The Guardian - Sport

Wirth's anguish was aggravated by the increasingly naive comments being directed his way.

The Guardian - Sport

Officials cited the worldwide financial slump, which was aggravated by the Sept. 11 attacks.

The New York Times

Their predicament was aggravated by a weakening in the chain of command.

The Guardian

This overproduction was aggravated by slipshod contracts, widespread piracy, overheated personal rivalries and byzantine label dealings.

The New York Times - Arts

The atmosphere was aggravated by accusations of racism and anti-Semitism.

The New York Times

Severe myopia gave her a squint that was aggravated by her voracious reading.

The New Yorker

Obviously his incivility was aggravated by the steady deterioration of his hearing.

The New York Times

For Man Ray, this was aggravated by the masculine drive to compete.

Independent

This occurred naturally, as industrial power diffused, but was aggravated by the particular challenge of Germany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Soil degradation was aggravated by this process, limiting crop yields, undermining the farmers' aim of maintaining their income.

Agricultural Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was aggravated by", ensure the context clearly identifies both the initial problem and the factor that worsened it. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was aggravated by" when the supposed aggravating factor is actually the main cause of the problem. Ensure the sentence accurately reflects the sequence of events and causal relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was aggravated by" functions as a passive construction indicating a causal relationship, where an initial condition is made worse by a subsequent factor. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in various contexts to describe how a situation deteriorated due to a specific cause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was aggravated by" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a situation has been made worse by a particular factor. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. It is considered neutral to formal in register and serves to explain how a negative condition intensified due to a contributing cause. Alternatives like "was worsened by" or "was exacerbated by" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to clearly identify both the initial problem and the aggravating factor for clarity. Using the phrase accurately ensures effective communication when describing deteriorating conditions and their causes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was worsened by

Expresses a similar meaning using a simpler verb.

was exacerbated by

Indicates a more intense or severe worsening of the situation.

was intensified by

Focuses on the increase in strength or degree of something negative.

was compounded by

Suggests that something was added to make the situation even more complex or difficult.

was amplified by

Emphasizes the significant increase or magnification of the negative effect.

was inflamed by

Implies that something was made more heated or agitated.

was heightened by

Highlights an increase in intensity or prominence.

was deteriorated by

Indicates a decline in quality or condition due to an external factor.

was complicated by

Suggests that an additional element made the situation more intricate or difficult to resolve.

was undermined by

Shows a weakening or erosion of something due to another factor.

FAQs

What does "was aggravated by" mean?

The phrase "was aggravated by" means that a situation or condition was made worse or more severe by something else. It indicates an intensifying factor that exacerbated an existing problem.

How can I use "was aggravated by" in a sentence?

Use "was aggravated by" to link an initial condition with a subsequent factor that worsened it. For example, "The patient's cough "was aggravated by" the smoky air."

What are some alternatives to "was aggravated by"?

Alternatives to "was aggravated by" include "was worsened by", "was exacerbated by", or "was intensified by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was aggravated by" or "was worsened by"?

Both "was aggravated by" and "was worsened by" are grammatically correct, but "was aggravated by" often suggests a more significant increase in severity. "Was worsened by" is a simpler, more direct alternative.