beset by problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beset by problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person that is surrounded or overwhelmed by difficulties or challenges. Example: "The project was beset by problems from the very beginning, leading to significant delays and budget overruns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The inquiry has been beset by problems.

The Guardian

Instead it has been beset by problems.

The Guardian - Money

The NCA has been beset by problems.

The Guardian

But the ICC's first decade has been beset by problems.

Independent

California's system was beset by problems almost from the outset.

The New York Times

However, he was beset by problems in his final years.

The Guardian

Hernández has been beset by problems this season.

The New York Times - Sports

It has been beset by problems ever since ground was first broken at the site.

Independent

However, the conflict means we have been beset by problems at every turn.

The Guardian

The EPR programme has been beset by problems around the world, however.

The Times

When the federal system began the next year, it was beset by problems.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beset by problems", ensure the subject is clearly defined. For example, specify what entity or situation is experiencing the problems, such as "The project was beset by problems."

Common error

Avoid using "beset" actively. It's more common to say something is "beset by problems" rather than saying something "besets" problems. The passive construction emphasizes the subject's state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beset by problems" functions as a postpositive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its condition. It indicates that the subject is experiencing significant difficulties or troubles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beset by problems" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations or entities facing numerous difficulties. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in reporting troubled scenarios. While alternatives like "plagued by issues" or "troubled by difficulties" exist, "beset by problems" effectively conveys a sense of being surrounded and overwhelmed by challenges. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined and avoid using "beset" in the active voice. By understanding its proper usage and context, writers can accurately and effectively communicate the presence of significant difficulties.The phrase is widely used and easily understood, contributing to its frequency across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plagued by issues

Replaces "beset" with "plagued" and "problems" with "issues", slightly altering the tone to emphasize persistent trouble.

troubled by difficulties

Substitutes "beset" with "troubled", offering a more empathetic feel, and "problems" with "difficulties".

afflicted with challenges

Replaces "beset" with "afflicted", which suggests a more severe impact, and "problems" with "challenges".

fraught with complications

Uses "fraught" to convey a sense of anxiety and "complications" instead of "problems".

ridden with setbacks

Emphasizes the presence of repeated hindrances by using "ridden" and "setbacks".

burdened by troubles

Highlights the weight of the issues by using "burdened" instead of "beset" and "troubles" instead of "problems".

hampered by obstacles

Focuses on how the problems impede progress, using "hampered" and "obstacles".

dogged by misfortune

Implies a persistent and unfortunate series of events by using "dogged" and "misfortune".

under siege from difficulties

Conveys a sense of being surrounded and overwhelmed by problems.

facing numerous hurdles

Replaces the idea of being surrounded by problems with that of encountering many obstacles that need to be overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "beset by problems" in a sentence?

The phrase "beset by problems" describes a situation or entity facing numerous difficulties. For example, "The company's expansion was beset by problems, including supply chain disruptions and labor shortages."

What are some alternatives to "beset by problems"?

You can use alternatives like "plagued by issues", "troubled by difficulties", or "afflicted with challenges" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the problems beset the project"?

While grammatically understandable, it is less common and stylistically weaker than the passive construction "the project was beset by problems". The passive form is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "beset by problems" and "facing challenges"?

"Beset by problems" implies a more overwhelming or persistent state of difficulty, whereas "facing challenges" suggests a more active and potentially surmountable situation. "Beset" conveys a sense of being surrounded or overwhelmed by issues.