developed a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"developed a problem" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone has encountered a difficulty or malfunction. Example: After several years of use, the car developed a problem with its engine, causing it to frequently break down on the highway. In this sentence, "developed a problem" indicates that the car encountered an issue or difficulty with its engine. It could also be used to describe personal situations, such as "I developed a problem with my back after lifting heavy boxes all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Has Apple developed a problem with simplicity?

The Guardian - Tech

He was a teacher, and he developed a problem with drink just as his father had.

The Guardian - Books

The Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh's plane mysteriously developed a problem that delayed his arrival.

The Guardian

David developed a problem with his baseball swing, a problem his baseball coach could not perceive or correct.

The New York Times

She had developed a problem with painkillers after a neck injury in 1964 had resulted in a pinched nerve.

The Guardian

She tried to get back into music by taking up the harpsicord, but developed a problem in her right elbow and had to give it up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Furthermore, they learned communication skills and developed a problem-solving approach that played a great role in their job life.

International Journal of Quality Innovation

We also developed a problem-solving assessment to tap students' understanding of graphs and equations and the links between them.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Bashyam et al. [ 26] developed a problem-oriented medical record (POMR) system for clinical documents.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Similarly, Leibovici et al developed a problem-oriented decision support system that significantly reduced the injudicious or inadequate administration of antibiotics, particularly in patients infected with multiresistant Gram-negative isolates, enterococci, and S. aureus [ 25].

Critical Care

A year ago, John started developing a problem with compulsive, involuntary masturbation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While generally acceptable, "developed a problem" can be replaced with more formal or informal alternatives depending on your audience.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who or what is responsible for the problem. Instead of "a problem was developed", specify who or what "developed a problem" to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developed a problem" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the emergence or origination of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is standard in written English. Examples show it describing issues with objects, systems, or personal conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developed a problem" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the emergence of an issue or difficulty. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While neutral in register, it's crucial to provide specific context when using the phrase to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "encountered an issue" or "experienced a difficulty" can be used depending on the desired tone and formality. Understanding the proper use of "developed a problem" can enhance the precision and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountered an issue

Replaces "developed" with "encountered" and "problem" with "issue", focusing on the experience of facing a difficulty.

experienced a difficulty

Similar to "encountered an issue", this emphasizes the experience of facing a challenge.

ran into trouble

More informal, suggesting a less severe problem or obstacle.

started having issues

Focuses on the beginning of a series of problems rather than a single event.

began to struggle

Implies a persistent effort against a difficulty.

faced a setback

Highlights the negative impact on progress or goals.

acquired a condition

Often used in medical contexts, referring to a health issue.

met with complications

Suggests that an existing situation became more complex or difficult.

became afflicted with

More formal and often used to describe diseases or ailments.

dealt with an obstacle

Implies having to actively manage or overcome a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "developed a problem" to describe the emergence of an issue or difficulty. For example, "The software "developed a problem" after the latest update."

What are some alternatives to "developed a problem"?

Alternatives include "encountered an issue", "experienced a difficulty", or "ran into trouble", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "develop a problem" or "developed a problem"?

The choice depends on the context. "Develop a problem" is used to describe a potential or future issue, while "developed a problem" refers to a past event.

What's the difference between "developing a problem" and "having a problem"?

"Developing a problem" suggests a process or the beginning of an issue, while "having a problem" implies an existing, ongoing situation.