encounter problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"encounter problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone has come across a difficulty or obstacle. For example: "The project team encountered several problems during the implementation process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those who did complete applications seem to encounter problems later.

The Economist

Q All new aircraft encounter problems during their gestation.

Independent

They may encounter problems, though, when navigating the links.

The New York Times

Despite recent progress by Republicans, they still encounter problems.

The New York Times

"You find tangents, follow new avenues and encounter problems.

The Guardian

Those users will probably encounter problems in the ftp code.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is not uncommon, of course, for new aircraft types to encounter problems.

The New York Times

Soon after this change in allegiance, he began to encounter problems.

The New York Times - Arts

That their marriage might encounter problems after the final curtain needn't be underscored.

The New York Times - Arts

If you encounter problems at the polls, you can call the city at 311.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Individuals can also encounter problems.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "encounter problems" when you want to describe a situation where difficulties or obstacles arise unexpectedly. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "encounter problems" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "Problems were encountered by the team", opt for "The team encountered problems" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter problems" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of experiencing difficulties or obstacles. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encounter problems" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the experience of facing difficulties, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overuse of passive voice when employing this phrase. Consider alternatives like "face difficulties" or "run into issues" for nuanced meanings. With a very high frequency across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "encounter problems" is a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face difficulties

Focuses more on the active experience of dealing with challenging situations.

run into issues

Implies a more casual or unexpected meeting with problems.

experience setbacks

Highlights the negative impact on progress.

meet with obstacles

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the problems.

confront challenges

Highlights the need to actively address and overcome difficulties.

develop complications

Often used when referring to health or project development contexts.

suffer adversity

Highlights the suffering that results from the problems.

undergo hardship

Emphasizes the difficult conditions created by the problems.

find oneself in a predicament

Focuses on the state of being in a difficult situation.

get into a tangle

Suggests a messy and complicated situation.

FAQs

How can I use "encounter problems" in a sentence?

You can use "encounter problems" to describe situations where difficulties arise. For example: "The project team may "run into issues" during the development phase", or "New aircraft types often "face difficulties" during their initial flights".

What's a good alternative to "encounter problems"?

Alternatives to "encounter problems" include "face difficulties", "run into issues", or "experience setbacks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "encountered problems" instead of "encounter problems"?

Yes, "encountered problems" is the past tense form of "encounter problems". Use "encountered" when referring to problems that have already happened. For example, "The team "encountered problems" during the testing phase".

What's the difference between "encounter problems" and "have problems"?

"Encounter problems" suggests an unexpected or incidental meeting with difficulties. "Have problems" is a broader term that implies possessing or experiencing difficulties, without necessarily implying an unexpected event. The usage of "encounter problems" would be more appropriate if a business that is doing well suddenly "runs into issues".