become a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or issue that is developing or escalating into a problematic state. Example: "If we don't address the budget cuts soon, they will become a problem for our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can become a problem.

Independent

This has become a problem.

The New York Times

"Mozartiana," however, has become a problem ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

And that has become a problem.

The New York Times

When had Molly become a problem?

The New Yorker

This could become a problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Injuries could become a problem.

The New York Times - Sports

That would become a problem for Abbott.

The New York Times

When does it become a problem?

The Guardian - Money

This could soon become a problem.

The Guardian

Escape has become a problem in itself.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become a problem" when describing a situation that is in the process of worsening or developing into a difficulty. Ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and scope of the problem.

Common error

While "become a problem" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "develop into an issue" or "pose a challenge" for more nuanced expression, especially in formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become a problem" functions as a verb phrase indicating the transformation of a situation or issue into a problematic state. This is validated by Ludwig's findings and numerous examples, where the phrase describes the evolution of circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become a problem" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the evolution of a situation into a problematic state. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. While its simplicity makes it suitable for diverse settings, overuse can be avoided by considering synonyms such as "develop into an issue" or "escalate into a crisis". Overall, "become a problem" serves as a clear and direct way to communicate concern about a developing negative situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Turn into a problem

Replaces "become" with "turn into", emphasizing a transformation into a problematic state.

Grow into a concern

Highlights the gradual increase in worry or anxiety associated with the developing problem.

Evolve into an issue

Substitutes "become" with "evolve into" and "problem" with "issue", highlighting a gradual development of a difficulty.

Develop into a difficulty

Uses "develop into" instead of "become", suggesting a more progressive emergence of a problem.

Result in complications

Focuses on the outcome of a situation, with complications arising as a consequence.

Escalate into a crisis

Replaces "problem" with "crisis", indicating a more severe and urgent situation.

Morph into a challenge

Suggests a transformation into something that needs to be overcome, softening the negative connotation.

Transform into a setback

Implies a shift into a negative occurrence that delays progress.

Degenerate into a mess

Indicates a decline into disorder or confusion, emphasizing the negative consequences.

Present a predicament

Emphasizes the state of being in a difficult or unpleasant situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "become a problem" to describe situations that are evolving negatively. For example, "If we don't address the budget cuts soon, they will "become a problem" for our project timeline."

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

You can use alternatives like "turn into an issue", "develop into a concern", or "escalate into a crisis depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "become a problem"?

The phrase "become a problem" is suitable when discussing a situation or issue that is in the process of escalating or developing into a problematic state. It's appropriate across a range of contexts, from informal conversations to news reports.

What's the difference between "become a problem" and "is a problem"?

"Become a problem" suggests a situation that is transitioning into a problematic state, whereas "is a problem" describes a situation that is already problematic. The former implies a process, while the latter implies a current state.