1.   Instead, analysts are warning the elections are likely to worsen matters.

2.   A comically inept confrontation with the rapist only seemed to worsen matters.

3.   Conventional journalism worsens matters by its emphasis on the negative.

4.   Internal disputes and tighter health-care spending worsened matters.

5.   Worsening matters, the new government is drifting toward authoritarianism.

6.   Increasing freedom of movement of goods in the ex-Khmer Rouge areas will only worsen matters, he said.

7.   The political opposition has repeatedly pressed Patasse to scrap the judicial commission altogether, arguing that the probe is only worsening matters.

8.   To worsen matters, a leaked White House memo discussing tax increases or cuts in Social Security retirement and disability payments has given Republicans grist for the mill.

9.   To worsen matters, both are considered capable of exploding nuclear weapons.