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worsen vs make things worse

Both 'worsen' and 'make things worse' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Worsen' is a verb that means to make something worse, while 'make things worse' is a phrase that explicitly states the action of making a situation more negative. They can be used interchangeably in many cases, but 'make things worse' provides a more explicit description of the action.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1193 views

worsen

This is a correct verb that means to make something worse.

Use 'worsen' when you want to describe the action of making a situation or condition more negative.

Examples:

  • The lack of rain will worsen the drought.
  • His comments only served to worsen the situation.
  • Examples of WORSEN. Spending more money is only going to worsen the problem. <the condition of the house worsened with every year of neglect> ...
  • worsen. star. see definition of worsen. Font size. X. Aa ... Synonyms for worsen. verb diminish, decay ... More words related to worsen. aggravate. verb. cause to ...
  • aggravate, annoy, intensify, irritate, worsen (see synonym study at aggravate ) ... trees are already dead, cutting them down doesn't worsen the situation.
  • Verb, 1. worsen - grow worse; "Conditions in the slum worsened" ... exacerbate, make worse These options would actually worsen the economy and add to the ...

Alternatives:

  • exacerbate
  • aggravate
  • deteriorate
  • deteriorate further
  • make worse

make things worse

This is a correct phrase that explicitly describes the action of making a situation more negative.

Use 'make things worse' when you want to emphasize the act of worsening a situation or condition.

Examples:

  • Adding fuel to the fire will only make things worse.
  • Her interference only served to make things worse.
  • Dec 2, 2014 ... Bust Up Google? Only If Europe Wants To Make Things Worse. Comment Now. Follow Comments Following Comments Unfollow Comments.
  • Obama says Ebola travel ban could make things worse. By Roberta Rampton. WASHINGTON Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:52am EDT ...
  • Capitulating to Terrorists Will Only Make Things Worse. Alan Dershowitz. Dec. 18 , 2014. SHARE. Sony Hack Theaters David Goldman—AP A poster for the ...
  • Flexing America's Muscles In The Middle East Will Make Things Worse. Next Debate Previous Debate. Debate Details; The Panel; Results; The Research; Video ...

Alternatives:

  • exacerbate the situation
  • aggravate the problem
  • deteriorate the condition
  • further worsen
  • add to the problem

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