as problematic as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as problematic as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a situation or issue while also recognizing its complexity or difficulty. Example: "The proposal, as problematic as it is, still offers some potential benefits that we should consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A downgrade would not be as problematic as it is in more open economies, though its emotional impact on the market would be resoundly negative.

Forbes

In celebratory football, taste level is just as problematic as it is in dance.

The New York Times - Sports

It could be that "impact" in research itself is not half as problematic as it is in higher education in general.

The Guardian

The documentation of this decay, however, can be as problematic as it is spectacular, veering into empty cliché and, to some, voyeurism and exploitation.

The New York Times

The project, as problematic as it is, politically and environmentally, looks coolly rational and far-sighted from here, in the thick of a Presidential campaign that is sweaty, ugly, and fear-ridden.

The New Yorker

"This is why our system is as problematic as it is, because no matter what, the ordinary New Yorker doesn't have the price of admission to this sort of high-ticket fund-raiser," said Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, a nonprofit citizens' advocacy group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

When the de Blasio administration took office, it had to confront a bankrupt and battered bike share program that was as problematic as it was popular.

The New York Times

Sharply delineating the double-edged sword of state and legal power, Black and Blue chronicles an achievement that was as problematic as it was remarkable, and that demonstrates the deficiencies of race- and class-based understandings of labor, equality, and power in America.

Princeton University

Race relations is about as problematic as it has been in recent memory.

HuffPost

As problematic as it may be for states to levy excessive fines and jail time on families that, in many cases, are already struggling to make ends meet and stay together, it's the motives behind these programs that are particularly troubling.

Huffington Post

As controversial as the picture was, as problematic as it may have been for Carter to shoot it while the young girl sat, helpless prey to a vulture, the image sparked worldwide interest in the famine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as problematic as it is" to introduce a balanced perspective, acknowledging flaws while hinting at potential benefits or complexities worth considering.

Common error

Avoid using "as problematic as it is" in very casual conversations. Simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as problematic as it is" functions as a concessive phrase, acknowledging a negative aspect while often setting up a contrasting or balancing viewpoint. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase introduces an element of acknowledgment before presenting further analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as problematic as it is" serves as a concessive element, primarily used to acknowledge flaws or negative aspects while setting up a more nuanced discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, this phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, signaling objectivity. When used, it allows for a balanced perspective, hinting at potential benefits or complexities. Alternative phrases, such as "as troublesome as it is" or "despite its difficulties", offer similar functionality with subtle shifts in meaning and intensity. In conclusion, while the phrase is correct, it should be used thoughtfully, considering the intended audience and context to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as troublesome as it is

Replaces 'problematic' with 'troublesome', suggesting something causes difficulty or annoyance.

as challenging as it is

Substitutes 'problematic' with 'challenging', implying the situation requires effort to overcome.

as difficult as it is

Replaces 'problematic' with 'difficult', indicating a degree of complexity or hardship.

as complex as it is

Replaces 'problematic' with 'complex', emphasizing the intricate and multifaceted nature of the situation.

as flawed as it is

Substitutes 'problematic' with 'flawed', focusing on the imperfections and shortcomings.

with all its issues

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the presence of multiple problems without specific comparison.

despite its difficulties

Focuses on the difficulties present, downplaying the problematic nature.

for all its faults

Highlights the faults while possibly excusing them to some extent.

notwithstanding its problems

Acknowledges the problems but implies they are not overriding.

in spite of its challenges

Emphasizes overcoming the challenges despite their presence.

FAQs

What does "as problematic as it is" mean?

It means acknowledging that something has issues or causes problems, but despite that, it might have other qualities or aspects worth considering. It's often used to introduce a balanced perspective.

How can I use "as problematic as it is" in a sentence?

You can use it to preface a statement about something that has issues but also has some redeeming qualities or complexities. For instance, "The proposal, as problematic as it is, still offers some potential benefits."

What can I say instead of "as problematic as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "as troublesome as it is", "as challenging as it is", or "despite its difficulties" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as problematic as it is"?

It's appropriate in situations where you want to acknowledge the problematic nature of something but also suggest that it's not entirely negative or without value. It is suited in neutral to formal registers.