a problem surfaces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a problem surfaces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or difficulty that becomes apparent or noticeable in a situation. Example: "During the project, a problem surfaces that requires immediate attention from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As soon as a problem surfaces with an Internet service — anywhere — it will receive wide coverage in the technology media.

The New York Times

These credit lines, which can be generous in good times, can be withdrawn in a matter of hours if a problem surfaces, he pointed out.

The New York Times

We wait until a problem surfaces before seeking a solution.

Forbes

Also, when a problem surfaces within our companies the focus turns on how to fix things and make sure it doesn't happen again.

Forbes

As soon as a problem surfaces, we must trigger a spirit of optimism that fuels us along our path to solutions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

By 4 09, a problem surfaced in Michigan, and the calamity was fully underway.

The New York Times

A problem surfaced: when the screen extended all the way to the floor, spotlights on the players made it difficult to see the images, and when the screen was raised it looked too much like background scenery, rather than a book from which the singers were materializing.

The New Yorker

If a tipoff about a brewing problem surfaces, do you look for similar issues elsewhere?

Harvard Business Review

As the National Front era was ending, a new problem surfaced in Colombia narcotics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first report of a potential problem surfaced in 2005, after the United States government and the armed forces of other countries had been buying the redesigned flares for five years.

The New York Times

At the end of 1983, a major problem surfaced with the Reid loans.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a problem surfaces" to introduce the emergence of an issue that requires attention or resolution. This signals the beginning of a challenge that needs to be addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "surface" to mean 'solve' or 'address'. "A problem surfaces" indicates the start of an issue, not its resolution. Don't say "The problem surfaced a solution"; instead, state that "a solution was found after the problem surfaced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a problem surfaces" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the emergence or manifestation of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The examples show it introducing a difficulty that requires attention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a problem surfaces" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the emergence or manifestation of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its use in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively signals the beginning of a challenge. It's important to remember that it indicates the start of an issue, not its solution. Alternatives include "an issue arises" or "a difficulty emerges". Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the initial appearance of a problem that requires attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an issue arises

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "surfaces" with "arises", focusing on the occurrence of a difficulty.

a difficulty emerges

Substitutes "problem" with "difficulty" and "surfaces" with "emerges", highlighting the appearance of a challenge.

a snag develops

Replaces "problem" with "snag" and "surfaces" with "develops", suggesting a minor obstacle that is forming.

a complication arises

Changes "problem" to "complication" and "surfaces" to "arises", indicating a more complex issue is occurring.

an obstacle appears

Replaces "problem" with "obstacle" and "surfaces" with "appears", emphasizing the visibility of an impediment.

an issue comes to light

Replaces the entire phrase with an idiom that means something becomes known or apparent.

a challenge presents itself

Replaces "problem" and "surfaces" with a more formal way of saying a challenge has made itself known.

a glitch materializes

Substitutes "problem" with "glitch" and "surfaces" with "materializes", suggesting a sudden appearance of a technical issue.

a setback occurs

Replaces "problem" with "setback" and "surfaces" with "occurs", indicating a temporary impediment to progress.

a hiccup arises

Changes "problem" to "hiccup" and "surfaces" to "arises", presenting a minor and often temporary issue.

FAQs

What does "a problem surfaces" mean?

The phrase "a problem surfaces" means that an issue or difficulty becomes apparent or noticeable. It suggests the beginning of a challenge that requires attention or resolution.

How can I use "a problem surfaces" in a sentence?

You can use "a problem surfaces" to introduce the emergence of an issue. For example: "During the project, "a problem surfaces" that requires immediate attention."

What can I say instead of "a problem surfaces"?

You can use alternatives like "an issue arises", "a difficulty emerges", or "a challenge presents itself" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the solution surfaced" when referring to solving a problem?

No, it is not correct. "A problem surfaces" means an issue becomes apparent. To describe finding a solution, say "a solution was found" or "a resolution emerged".