cause problems for

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause problems for" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about something that is causing trouble or a difficult situation for someone or something else. For example: "The careless mistakes in the report caused problems for the whole team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would cause problems for many companies.

The New York Times

Opening it too soon could cause problems for you.

The Guardian

At some point this might cause problems for the coalition.

The Guardian

Eutrophication can cause problems for both wildlife and water supplies.

Princeton University

Why did known ends cause problems for us?

Yale University

That wouldn't just cause problems for commercial rivals.

The Guardian

"It's also a very powerful tool that can cause problems for people.

The New York Times

Producer: Yes, now the "one true" claim could cause problems for a couple of reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Flooding, blocked roads and major power shortages are bound to cause problems for the refiners.

The New York Times

The allegation that hacking continued after Goodman's jailing will also cause problems for Scotland Yard.

The Guardian

"I don't want to receive threats or cause problems for other children," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause problems for", consider the specific nature of the problem and the affected entity. This allows for a more precise and impactful statement. For example, instead of saying "the policy caused problems for the company", specify what problems were caused and how they impacted the company.

Common error

Avoid using "cause problems for" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, pinpoint the specific issues and use more descriptive language to convey the precise nature of the difficulties created. This enhances clarity and strengthens the overall message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause problems for" functions as a verb phrase. It describes an action that results in difficulties or negative consequences for someone or something. According to Ludwig AI, this is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause problems for" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that something is creating difficulties or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. Its prevalence in news and academic contexts highlights its utility in formal and neutral settings. While effective, writers should strive for precision by specifying the exact nature of the problems being caused, and alternative expressions can add nuance depending on the context. By avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity, you enhance the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create difficulties for

This alternative focuses on the act of generating obstacles or challenges.

pose a challenge to

Highlights the aspect of presenting a situation that requires effort or skill to overcome.

be detrimental to

Emphasizes the damaging or harmful effect on something.

hinder the progress of

Focuses on impeding or slowing down advancement or development.

complicate matters for

Highlights the act of making a situation more complex or difficult to manage.

inflict hardship on

Emphasizes the act of imposing suffering or difficulty.

present obstacles to

Focuses on introducing barriers that impede progress or success.

aggravate issues for

Highlights the act of worsening existing problems.

spell trouble for

Indicates a likely future occurrence of problems or difficulties.

be disruptive to

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of the normal course of events.

FAQs

How can I use "cause problems for" in a sentence?

You can use "cause problems for" to describe situations where an action or event creates difficulties or negative consequences for someone or something. For example, "The new regulations could "cause problems for" small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "cause problems for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "create difficulties for", "pose a challenge to", or "be detrimental to", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is it better to use "cause problems for" or specify the type of problem?

While "cause problems for" is acceptable, it is generally better to specify the type of problem for clarity. For example, instead of saying "the change caused problems for employees", you could say "the change increased stress and reduced productivity among employees".

What's the difference between "cause problems for" and "solve problems for"?

"Cause problems for" implies creating difficulties, while "solve problems for" means finding solutions to existing difficulties. They are opposite in meaning.