encountering problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encountering problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing difficulties or challenges faced in various contexts, such as work, projects, or personal situations. Example: "While working on the project, we found ourselves encountering problems that we hadn't anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nunez had played several positions, encountering problems at all of them.

The New York Times - Sports

By contrast, the Fed is aiming at the sectors that are encountering problems.

The Economist

Maria told me that shortly after Laura's death she began encountering problems raising the boys.

The New Yorker

"We have isolated pockets where we are encountering problems," he said.

The New York Times

Encountering problems with task management, customer expectations and customer communication affected customer satisfaction very negatively.

Journal of Systems and Software

All four of the company's main applications – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – were encountering problems, according to Downdetector.com.

The Guardian - Tech

But now, at the age of 39 and head of a 26-person operation, Heatherwick is encountering problems.

The Guardian - Arts

Many people encountering problems have taken them in stride, willing to give officials the benefit of the doubt.

The Washington Post

It also noted that the department had received a copy of a class-action lawsuit against Apollo filed by students encountering problems with reimbursements from the company.

The New York Times

The company is Nevada Geothermal Power, which like Solyndra, the now-famous California solar company, is struggling with debt after encountering problems at its only operating plant.

The New York Times

The delay and reports that Nasdaq was encountering problems with entries and cancellations unnerved participants, said Sal Arnuk, co-head of equity trading at Themis Trading.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about projects or processes, use "encountering problems" to directly and clearly address challenges faced. It provides a straightforward way to acknowledge difficulties.

Common error

Avoid replacing "encountering problems" with overly vague or indirect language. While euphemisms like "experiencing opportunities for growth" might seem gentler, they can obscure the real issues and hinder effective communication. Clarity is key when addressing difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encountering problems" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates the experience of facing difficulties or challenges. Examples include: "...after so many hours spent searching for Laura, to find her here. Maria told me that shortly after Laura's death she began encountering problems raising the boys."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encountering problems" is a versatile and widely used expression for describing the experience of facing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is particularly common in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives such as "facing difficulties" and "experiencing issues" offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overly vague language that might obscure the actual issues being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing difficulties

Replaces "encountering" with "facing", focusing on the act of confronting challenges.

experiencing issues

Substitutes "problems" with "issues", softening the negative connotation.

meeting obstacles

Replaces "problems" with "obstacles", emphasizing the hindering aspect.

navigating difficulties

Suggests a process of carefully maneuvering through challenging situations.

grappling with challenges

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in dealing with the difficulties.

running into snags

Uses the informal term "snags" to imply minor difficulties.

contending with adversity

Uses more formal language to describe the act of struggling against unfavorable conditions.

having setbacks

Focuses on the negative impact of the problems, implying delays or regressions.

stumbling upon complications

Implies that the problems were unexpected or accidental discoveries.

undergoing hardship

Highlights the severity and suffering caused by the problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "encountering problems" to describe facing difficulties or challenges in various situations. For example, "The project team is "encountering problems" with the new software implementation".

What are some alternatives to "encountering problems"?

Alternatives include "facing difficulties", "experiencing issues", or "running into snags", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "encountering problems" or "facing problems"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "facing problems" might be slightly more common and direct. "Encountering problems" can sometimes imply a more unexpected or accidental confrontation with difficulties.

What's the difference between "encountering problems" and "solving problems"?

"Encountering problems" refers to the initial experience of facing difficulties. "Solving problems", on the other hand, refers to the act of finding solutions to those difficulties.