as a potential problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a potential problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that may pose an issue or concern in the future. Example: "The lack of communication among team members could be identified as a potential problem that needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"If you have a significant economic investment that is not otherwise apparent, that may potentially affect the credibility of your endorsement, and I see that as a potential problem".

The New York Times

"No one saw Libor as a potential problem.

The New York Times

Federal lawmakers have highlighted due diligence in mortgages as a potential problem.

The New York Times

When each company was privatised, no one properly thought about pensions as a potential problem.

The Guardian - Business

If we saw that as a potential problem, we wouldn't have done it".

The New York Times - Sports

For now, I would classify its presence in NY only as a potential problem worth keeping an eye on.

Cornell University

"This is the first drug that nobody seems to want to know about as a potential problem".

The New York Times - Health

Pat Showers, executive director of Meals-on-Wheels of New Rochelle, cited the $50 minimum as a potential problem for the elderly.

The New York Times

"A change in attitude is taking place in which a work migrant is no longer seen first and foremost as a potential problem.

The Guardian

Any device that has an internal clock looms as a potential problem and must be tweaked for the time change, usually with a software patch.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In contrast, the Sanders support comes primarily from those who see government as a potential problem-solver and the enemy as a lack of opportunity and equality.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a potential problem", be specific about what makes it a problem and what the possible consequences could be. This adds clarity and weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as a potential problem" as a generic statement. Always follow it with a specific explanation of why something is problematic to avoid vagueness and strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a potential problem" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to identify or categorize something that may cause difficulties or negative consequences. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its wide applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

38%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a potential problem" is a common and grammatically correct way to identify possible future difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context and explanations to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "possible issue" or "looming threat" can be used to adjust the intensity of the concern. Remember to use the phrase thoughtfully and support it with concrete details for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a possible issue

Replaces "potential problem" with "possible issue", softening the severity of the concern.

as a likely difficulty

Substitutes "potential problem" with "likely difficulty", increasing the probability of the issue occurring.

as a foreseeable complication

Replaces "potential problem" with "foreseeable complication", highlighting the predictability of the issue.

as a looming threat

Changes "potential problem" to "looming threat", intensifying the sense of danger.

as a possible pitfall

Substitutes "potential problem" with "possible pitfall", emphasizing the risk of failure.

as a potential hazard

Replaces "problem" with the stronger term "hazard", suggesting a greater level of risk.

as a challenge

Replaces "potential problem" with the more neutral term "challenge", framing the situation as something to overcome.

as an obstacle

Replaces "potential problem" with "obstacle", focusing on the hindering aspect.

as a concern

Replaces "potential problem" with the milder term "concern", reducing the intensity of the issue.

as an area for improvement

Replaces "potential problem" with a constructive reframing, focusing on positive change.

FAQs

How can I use "as a potential problem" in a sentence?

Use "as a potential problem" to identify something that could cause difficulties or negative consequences in the future. For example: "The lack of funding was identified "as a potential problem" for the project's success."

What phrases are similar to "as a potential problem"?

Similar phrases include "as a possible issue", "as a likely difficulty", or "as a looming threat". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "potential problem" or "possible problem"?

Both "potential problem" and "possible problem" are correct, but "potential" suggests a problem that could develop based on current circumstances, while "possible" simply indicates something that might occur. The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I make "as a potential problem" sound less negative?

To sound less negative, consider alternatives like "as a challenge", "as an area for improvement", or "as an opportunity", framing the issue in a more positive light.