be as problematic as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be as problematic as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of difficulty or issues associated with two different subjects or situations. Example: "The new policy may be as problematic as the previous one, leading to similar challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Overeating can be as problematic as undereating.

The New York Times

Fast players can be as problematic as dawdlers.

The New York Times

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

In writing that 'it strikes another blow to the happy-ever-after myth of civil partnerships' I was suggesting that civil partnerships – the introduction of which I am on the record in supporting – have proved just to be as problematic as marriages".

The Guardian - Music

However, e-commerce in China may be as problematic as advertising.

Forbes

Constant dissent on the decision, once made, can be as problematic as not engaging the conflict in the first place.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For Mr. Obama, perhaps no deadline has been as problematic as the first, the one to shut Guantánamo.

The New York Times

Outside groups have traditionally been as problematic as helpful to presidential campaigns, often hitting themes or notes in their spots that the campaigns have wanted to avoid.

The New York Times

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

But today the statistics-driven standards for promotion (even when they are not handed out merely on the basis of personal connections) are as problematic as in the rest of the bureaucracy.

The Economist

If you had taken stock of what was winding up the online hive mind and wanted to launch an artist who was as "problematic" as possible, you could do the following: you might opt for a style that seems clammily interested in adolescent sexuality, or you might go all-in for cultural appropriation.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be as problematic as" to draw attention to unexpected similarities between seemingly different situations or concepts. This can create a stronger impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be as problematic as" to compare issues that are vastly different in scale or impact. Such comparisons can diminish the significance of the more serious issue, undermining your argument's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be as problematic as" functions as a comparative connector, linking two elements that share a similar degree of difficulty or trouble. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts to highlight equal levels of concern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be as problematic as" is a commonly used comparative expression that highlights shared difficulties or troubles between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is sound, and its usage spans across various contexts, primarily in news, media and scientific domains. While generally neutral, its function is inherently negative, drawing attention to undesirable similarities. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralizing the scope of comparison. Consider alternatives like "be equally troublesome as" or "present similar challenges to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be equally troublesome as

Emphasizes the equal level of trouble or difficulty, maintaining a direct comparison.

be just as troublesome as

Adds a slight emphasis on the degree of trouble being identical.

be equally challenging as

Replaces "problematic" with "challenging", focusing on the difficulty aspect.

present similar difficulties to

Shifts the structure to highlight the difficulties themselves rather than a direct comparison.

pose the same issues as

Focuses on the issues or problems that arise, rather than a general sense of difficulty.

be comparable in difficulty to

Uses a more formal tone to indicate the level of difficulty is similar.

create as many problems as

Specifically highlights the creation of problems, emphasizing the negative outcomes.

be no less problematic than

Uses a double negative to affirm the problematic nature is at least equal.

generate similar complications to

Focuses on the complications that arise, moving away from the direct 'problematic' aspect.

be fraught with just as many issues as

Highlights that something is filled with issues, emphasizing negative aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "be as problematic as" in a sentence?

Use "be as problematic as" to compare two situations or things that present similar difficulties or challenges. For example, "The new software update can "be as problematic as" the old one, with its frequent crashes and compatibility issues."

What's a formal alternative to "be as problematic as"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "be comparably difficult to" or "present similar challenges to" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it always negative to say something is "be as problematic as" something else?

Yes, "be as problematic as" typically carries a negative connotation, implying that both subjects involved share undesirable qualities or create similar issues. Therefore, this expression is suitable when you want to highlight negative aspects of two or more subjects under comparison.

Can "be as problematic as" be used to compare abstract concepts?

Yes, "be as problematic as" can effectively compare abstract concepts. For example, "Relying solely on quantitative data can "be as problematic as" relying solely on anecdotal evidence, as both approaches can lead to incomplete or biased conclusions."