a snag develops

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a snag develops" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an unexpected problem or obstacle arises during a process or project. Example: "As we were finalizing the project, a snag develops that requires immediate attention from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

On his third birthday, however, a little snag developed.

The New York Times - Magazine

The new snag developed over a British proposal that the European Economic Community should accord special favors to India and Pakistan, two of the leading members of the British Commonwealth.

The New York Times

Another snag developed over plans to lay down a second track on a heavily traveled stretch between Albany and Schenectady that is a frequent bottleneck for train traffic.

The New York Times

If a snag had developed during this review period, both companies' stocks most likely would have plummeted, with ominous implications for the companies' balance sheets, their customers' confidence, and their employees' morale and for future consolidation in the industry.

Harvard Business Review

One ranking official, familiar with the selection process for new ambassadors, said there was always the possibility that a snag could develop before the formal announcement of Mr. Brown's nomination is made.

The New York Times

If 11th-hour snags develop in the negotiations with the Yankees on a contract that reportedly could reach more than $300 million over 10 years, who's on deck?

The New York Times - Sports

The mission became even more difficult when two unexpected snags developed in the solar power arrays.

The New York Times

What are you hearing?" The usual snags developed during negotiations, and the usual sweeteners were thrown in by the county and the Pataki administration: $500,000 in state transportation funds here, a $500,000 capital grant there, some bureaucratic sleight-of-hand that allowed the new owners to receive significant tax breaks.

The New York Times

But a snag has recently developed: the building occupies riverfront real estate, which its owner has realized could be put to use much more profitably as residential.

The New York Times

And when development hit a snag, the team found solutions.

Science Magazine

There was a snag.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a snag develops" to introduce an unexpected issue that complicates a situation, particularly when describing projects, negotiations, or plans. It's useful for highlighting the emergence of a problem that needs addressing.

Common error

Avoid using "a snag develops" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a problem arises" or "a difficulty occurs" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a snag develops" functions as a clause element, typically serving as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It describes the unfolding of an unexpected problem or obstacle. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a snag develops" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the emergence of an unexpected problem or obstacle. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase is not particularly common. It's suitable for neutral and professional contexts, like in news reports or project descriptions, where it introduces an issue requiring attention. Alternatives such as "a problem arises" or "a difficulty occurs" can be used to diversify your writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase and consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between similar expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem arises

This alternative is a more general way of saying that an issue has come up.

an issue emerges

Similar to "a problem arises", this phrase emphasizes the appearance of an issue.

a difficulty occurs

This phrase is slightly more formal and highlights the presence of a challenge.

an obstacle appears

This alternative stresses the obstructive nature of the problem.

a complication arises

This indicates that the situation has become more complex due to the problem.

a hitch surfaces

This is a less formal way of saying a minor problem has appeared.

an impediment arises

This phrase is more formal and suggests a significant barrier has appeared.

a setback occurs

This suggests that progress has been delayed or reversed due to the problem.

a hurdle emerges

This implies that there is an obstacle to overcome, like in a race.

a glitch materializes

This phrase suggests a small, technical problem has appeared.

FAQs

How can I use "a snag develops" in a sentence?

You can use "a snag develops" to describe an unexpected problem that arises during a process. For example: "As we were finalizing the project, "a snag develops" that requires immediate attention from the team."

What can I say instead of "a snag develops"?

You can use alternatives like "an issue arises", "a problem occurs", or "a difficulty emerges" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a snag develops" or "a snag arose"?

Both "a snag develops" and "a snag arose" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A snag develops" implies that the snag is in the process of emerging, while "a snag arose" indicates that the snag has already fully appeared. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the unfolding of the problem or its completed existence.

What's the difference between "a snag develops" and "a complication develops"?

While both refer to problems emerging, ""a snag develops"" often implies a specific, unexpected obstacle. "A complication develops" suggests that the situation is becoming more complex and difficult to manage. The former is more concrete, the latter more abstract.