become problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become problematic" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or issue that has become difficult or challenging to handle. Example: The new school policy regarding cellphone use has become problematic for both students and teachers. Many students are struggling to follow the strict guidelines, while teachers are finding it difficult to enforce them consistently.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Motivation has become problematic.

The Guardian - Sport

Resourcing can become problematic.

Environmental Modelling & Software

"The Joyce thing has become problematic.

The Guardian - Books

Ebdon's presence, particularly, has become problematic.

The Guardian - Sport

"And comedy can be misread, and misinterpreted, and become problematic.

The New Yorker

This can become problematic in a large room.

Yale University

Plans for the election have already become problematic.

The New York Times

Why do some well-behaved children become problematic teenagers?

The Guardian

Eating meat, something I have always enjoyed doing, has become problematic in recent years.

The New York Times - Magazine

Others who could have become problematic quickly pulled their names from consideration.

The New York Times

Yet Altman worries that the network's very potency has become problematic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become problematic", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the issue or difficulty. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While versatile, "become problematic" can sometimes be replaced with more precise or formal language in academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "present challenges" or "require further investigation" for added nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become problematic" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject. It indicates a transformation from a non-problematic state to one that presents difficulties or challenges, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become problematic" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating that a situation or issue has evolved into a difficult or challenging state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, reflecting its utility in describing emerging concerns. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more specific or formal alternatives in certain professional settings. When using "become problematic", ensure you clearly articulate the cause of the issue to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn into a problem

Focuses on the transformation from a non-problematic state to a problematic one.

give rise to difficulties

Highlights the creation or origination of problems.

start causing issues

Emphasizes the action of initiating problems or concerns.

begin to pose challenges

Focuses on the introduction of difficulties or obstacles.

evolve into a complication

Highlights the gradual development into a complex problem.

degenerate into a mess

Emphasizes the deterioration into a disorganized or chaotic situation.

escalate into a crisis

Focuses on the intensification of a problem into a critical situation.

result in complications

Highlights the outcome or consequence of something being complex.

prove troublesome

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating or showing that something is causing trouble.

present difficulties

Focuses on the act of showing that something poses difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "become problematic" to describe when something starts causing difficulties. For example, "The budget cuts have "become problematic" for the research team".

What are some alternatives to "become problematic"?

Alternatives include phrases like "become difficult", "become challenging", or "pose a problem", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "become problematic"?

Yes, "become problematic" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of "become" + adjective.

What's the difference between "is problematic" and "become problematic"?

"Is problematic" describes a current state, while "become problematic" indicates a change over time. The latter suggests something was not initially a problem but has since developed into one.