worsening the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worsening the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or situations that contribute to an existing issue becoming more severe. Example: "The lack of communication among team members is only worsening the problem of project delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The report suggested that organizational problems in the Peace Corps were most likely worsening the problem.

The New York Times

And state officials recently said that revenues were coming in lower than anticipated, worsening the problem.

The New York Times

Ranching associations and business groups accuse the left-leaning government of President Hugo Chávez of worsening the problem by taking a soft line toward Colombia's rebels.

The New York Times

Worsening the problem, Los Angeles is expected to add 500,000 people by 2030, forcing the city to examine new ways to meet demand.

The New York Times

And many share G.E.'s belief that dredging could stir up the contaminated sediment, worsening the problem in the short term.

The New York Times

The perceived Big Brother attitude that accompanies most government policies and directions carries the danger of making people hostile to safe sanitation and its benefits – worsening the problem.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Lacking that critical source of funding, banks pulled back and credit tightened, worsening the problems in the economy.

The New York Times

But the policy response sometimes worsens the problem.

The New York Times - Books

Corruption, especially when committed by Han officials, worsens the problem.

The New York Times

It would only worsen the problem, he said.

The Economist

But government policies have only worsened the problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worsening the problem" to clearly indicate that an action or situation is actively making an existing issue more severe. Ensure the context provides sufficient detail about the original problem and the factor contributing to its worsening.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "worsening the problem" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "making things worse" or "adding fuel to the fire" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worsening the problem" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or part of a longer verb phrase. It describes an ongoing action that negatively impacts an existing issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "worsening the problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe situations where an action or event intensifies an existing issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, with evidence from a variety of reputable sources. While suitable for formal writing, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in casual settings. Remember to use this phrase when you need to emphasize the deteriorating effect of a specific factor on a particular problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacerbating the problem

Emphasizes making the problem more bitter or severe.

aggravating the problem

Focuses on making the problem more annoying or troublesome.

compounding the problem

Highlights adding to the existing problem, making it more complex.

intensifying the problem

Stresses the increase in strength or degree of the problem.

heightening the problem

Indicates raising the problem to a more significant or acute level.

magnifying the problem

Suggests making the problem appear larger or more significant than it initially was.

inflaming the problem

Implies stirring up the problem, making it more heated or passionate.

deeping the problem

Indicates making the problem more profound or entrenched.

worsen the situation

Broadens the scope to a general state of affairs, rather than a specific "problem".

deteriorating the issue

Focuses on the decline or decay of the "issue" at hand.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "worsening the problem" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can replace "worsening the problem" with phrases such as "exacerbating the problem", "aggravating the problem", or "compounding the problem", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "worsening the problem" the same as "making the problem worse"?

While similar, "worsening the problem" is more formal than "making the problem worse". The former is suitable for academic or professional contexts, while the latter is more appropriate for informal settings.

What are some common synonyms for "worsening the problem"?

Common synonyms include "exacerbating the situation", "intensifying the issue", and "complicating the matter". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

How do I use "worsening the problem" in a sentence?

Use "worsening the problem" to describe actions or factors that are making a situation or issue more severe. For example, "The lack of communication is "worsening the problem" of project delays."