going to be problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to be problematic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when anticipating or predicting that something will cause issues or difficulties in the future. Example: "If we don't address the budget constraints now, the project is going to be problematic down the line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Undeniably, it's going to be problematic".

The New York Times

This is why it is going to be problematic in developing countries.

The Guardian

That decision was always going to be problematic, given the resentment that stalked the last heir-to-office, Gordon Brown.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was always going to be problematic, you might think, having a chap banned from driving advertising car insurance.

The Guardian

"It wasn't until after the train had run me over that I really understood that playing on those tracks was going to be problematic.

The New York Times - Magazine

That lyric from She Bangs the Drums – "The past was yours but the future's mine" – was always going to be problematic.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This film was always going to be inherently problematic.

The Guardian - Film

'It is better to travel well than to arrive' soothes the soul and would be perfect advice if travelling well was not going to be so problematic.

The Guardian - Sport

"Sounding like Astrud Gilberto while coming on like Gang of Four was always going to be a problematic approach," Thorn now reflects wryly.

The Guardian - Books

"Sounding like Astrud Gilberto while coming on like Gang of Four was always going to be a problematic approach," she admits.

The New Yorker

He says the European Union "is going to be more problematic than a lot of people think", and that while humankind will probably become economically better off as a whole, he worries about the implications of "widening social and economic inequities".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going to be problematic", consider the audience and context. In formal settings, use alternatives like "likely to cause issues" or "anticipated complications" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "going to be problematic" repeatedly in the same text. Vary your language with alternatives to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to be problematic" serves as a predictive adjective phrase, forecasting potential difficulties or issues. Ludwig AI indicates that it correctly conveys anticipation of future problems. This is observed across various examples where it highlights expected complications in different scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going to be problematic" is a common and grammatically sound way to express anticipated difficulties or issues. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears frequently across various sources, particularly in news and media. While suitable for general use, consider more formal alternatives like "likely to cause issues" in professional settings. Varying your language and avoiding overuse will enhance clarity and engagement. Remember to contextualize its use by considering the audience and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to cause issues

Focuses on the potential consequences rather than the existence of a problem.

expected to be a challenge

Highlights the difficulty involved rather than the negative implications.

foreseeable difficulties

Emphasizes the ability to predict the problems.

anticipated complications

Uses more formal language to express expected issues.

potential downsides

Highlights negative aspects and consequences.

could present difficulties

Expresses possibility and challenges.

liable to create problems

Indicates a high probability of issues arising.

may lead to complications

Focuses on the potential consequences of something.

certain to pose challenges

Emphasizes the inevitability of difficulties.

bound to create difficulties

Suggests a strong likelihood of problems occurring.

FAQs

What does "going to be problematic" mean?

The phrase "going to be problematic" means that something is expected or likely to cause difficulties, issues, or problems in the future. It suggests anticipation of potential challenges or negative consequences.

How can I use "going to be problematic" in a sentence?

You can use "going to be problematic" to express concerns about a future outcome, like: "If we don't address the budget constraints now, the project is "going to be problematic" down the line."

What can I say instead of "going to be problematic"?

You can use alternatives like "likely to cause issues", "expected to be a challenge", or "potential downsides" depending on the context.

Is "going to be problematic" formal or informal?

"Going to be problematic" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, alternatives like "anticipated complications" might be preferred.