constituted a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constituted a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or challenge that has arisen as a result of a particular situation or action. Example: "The lack of communication between departments constituted a problem that hindered project progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Even being himself may have constituted a problem.

The New Yorker

Of all the concessions Israel had to make, "that one constituted a problem for us," he said.

The New York Times

But witnesses warned that it was easy in hindsight to identify warning signs; looking forward and determining what constituted a problem was much harder.

The New York Times

Death has, accordingly, constituted a problem for man, and he has felt impelled to take special action to cope with it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such intentions to mislead came to be called sneaky intentions (Grice 1969), and they constituted a problem for speech act analyses based on communicative intentions.

SEP

Finally, the tolerability of citicoline has never constituted a problem whatever the modality of administration or the dosage.

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Psychological fatigue, a growing disinterest in sexual behaviour with a particular partner, sometimes constitutes a problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether reports of engine fires constitute a problem requiring the recall of 36,000 Mini Cooper S models from the 2007 and 2008 model years.

The New York Times

The incomplete or missing data constitute a problem.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The last section explained why Skolem's Paradox does not constitute a problem for mathematics.

SEP

Celtic's rivals will have little sympathy for what constitutes a problem at Parkhead.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constituted a problem", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what action or situation led to the problem. Clarity will strengthen the sentence and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "constituted a problem" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "was a problem" or "caused an issue" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constituted a problem" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that something (the subject) has resulted in or formed a problem. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "constituted a problem" is a grammatically sound way to express that something has created or amounted to a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it is more formal, it is appropriate for various contexts, including scientific, news, and encyclopedic writing. Remember to use it clearly and consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. Be mindful of the context to choose the most fitting alternative. The rapid emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms in ICUs worldwide constitute a problem of crisis dimensions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presented a challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", softening the negative connotation slightly.

posed a difficulty

Substitutes "problem" with "difficulty", emphasizing the aspect of being hard to deal with.

created an obstacle

Uses "obstacle" instead of "problem", highlighting the hindering effect.

became an issue

Replaces "constituted" with "became" and "problem" with "issue", making the phrase more informal.

led to complications

Focuses on the result of the problem, which is the emergence of complications.

resulted in difficulties

Similar to 'led to complications', but emphasizes the state of being difficult.

caused a setback

Highlights the hindering or delaying aspect of the problem.

introduced a snag

Uses "snag", which implies a small or unexpected problem.

generated a conflict

Emphasizes disagreement or clash as a consequence of the problem.

brought about a hitch

Similar to 'introduced a snag', indicating a temporary or minor difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "constituted a problem" to describe something that has created an issue or obstacle. For example, "The lack of funding constituted a problem for the research team".

What phrases are similar to "constituted a problem"?

Similar phrases include "presented a challenge", "posed a difficulty", or "became an issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "constituted a problem" formal or informal?

"Constituted a problem" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "was a problem" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "constituted a problem" and "caused a problem"?

"Constituted a problem" implies that something formed or amounted to a problem, whereas "caused a problem" suggests that something directly led to a problem. The former is often used to describe the nature of something, while the latter describes its effect.