create problems for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create problems for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where someone or something causes difficulties or challenges for another person or group. Example: "The new regulations may create problems for small businesses trying to comply with the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"These people are paid to create problems for us.

The New Yorker

Is it likely to create problems for the opponents?

The New York Times - Arts

And their inexperience can create problems for companies.

The New York Times

I want to create problems for the offense.

The New York Times - Sports

"They create problems for teams with their speed," Girardi said.

The New York Times

That could create problems for owners of small businesses, who are grappling with higher operating costs.

The New York Times

investments could create problems for investors far greater than a bit of volatility.

The New York Times

That could create problems for you later, when you try to sell the home.

The New York Times

"Parallel structures of government create problems for the rule of law," Mr. Atmar said.

The New York Times

In private e-mails, some lenders said drilling leases could create problems for getting a mortgage.

The New York Times

Along the way to a potential resolution, the tensions could create problems for bond fund managers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create problems for", consider the level of formality required by your audience. While generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "pose challenges to" or "generate complications for".

Common error

While "create problems for" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overuse, especially in formal writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "present difficulties", "pose challenges", or "generate complications" to maintain reader engagement and convey nuances in meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create problems for" functions as a verb phrase, with 'create' acting as the main verb and 'problems for' functioning as the object. It indicates the action of causing difficulties or challenges for someone or something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "create problems for" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe the act of causing difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the formality of the situation and choose synonyms when appropriate. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media sources. Remember to avoid overuse and consider variations like "pose challenges to" or "generate complications for" to maintain writing clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause difficulties for

Replaces "create problems" with "cause difficulties", maintaining a similar level of formality and impact.

pose challenges to

Substitutes "create problems" with "pose challenges", suggesting a more formal and nuanced difficulty.

give rise to issues for

Replaces the core phrase with a more descriptive and slightly more formal expression.

generate complications for

Uses "generate" instead of "create" and "complications" instead of "problems", adding a layer of complexity.

lead to difficulties for

Focuses on the consequential aspect of causing problems, emphasizing the outcome.

present obstacles to

Emphasizes the hindering effect, suggesting barriers that need to be overcome.

inflict hardship on

Conveys a stronger sense of suffering or difficulty caused.

spell trouble for

Uses a more idiomatic and less formal expression to indicate problems.

be detrimental to

Indicates harm or damage, rather than just problems.

cause a headache for

Employs a more colloquial and less serious tone to denote problems.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "create problems for"?

You can use alternatives like "cause difficulties for", "pose challenges to", or "generate complications for" depending on the context.

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

You can use "create problems for" to describe situations where someone or something causes difficulties or challenges. For example, "The new regulations may create problems for small businesses".

Is "create problems for" formal or informal?

"Create problems for" is generally considered neutral. However, in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "present obstacles to" or "generate complications for" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "create problems for" and "cause problems for"?

While both phrases are similar, "cause problems for" is slightly more direct and common, while "create problems for" can imply a more active or intentional role in bringing about the difficulties.