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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it may be problematic

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may be problematic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential issues or concerns regarding a situation, idea, or proposal. Example: "While the plan seems promising, it may be problematic if we do not consider the budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It may be problematic, however, because definitions of character often refer to temperament or personality.

Science

SEP

It may be problematic to overlook moderate substance use because even moderate use may cause consequences for individuals with SMI.

It may be problematic to accept a negative biopsy result since the renal cysts usually are very inhomogeneous.

Although in some physical realisations, such as the photonic case discussed above, the fixed local operation on the ancillary qubit after each interaction is convenient or natural, in others it may be problematic and negate the benefits of the models introduced herein.

That effectively means sometimes it may be problematic to label companies in one category or another, and so, for example, some categories like "enterprise apps", or even non-mobile-first companies may actually be pulling more money than this report suggests, even if they are not primarily working in those areas.

News & Media

TechCrunch

It was clear to us that it may be problematic to relate extracellular properties recorded from primates to intracellular properties recorded in rats.

Science

Plosone
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Finally, the 'foundations of our home' frame is an attractive description of a desirable future, but the shared value basis that it presumes may be problematic in a multicultural society.

Whether it will get one may be problematic.

Temporarily applying an EIP maneuver during PSV may be problematic; it interferes with the patient's breathing, predisposing to patient and ventilator breathing asynchrony, that is, the patient attempts to spontaneously inhale and exhale during the pause, causing erroneous measurements of Pplt.

It should be noted also that an effective implementation of Design 5 may be problematic, as it involves the deletion of a gene (YBR196C) previously reported to be essential under similar growth conditions, probably due to regulatory effects [ 47].

This may be problematic since it appears that their sample included non-inferiority trials (though it is not clear how many) and for these trials a non-significant p-value may indicate a "positive" (or at least non-inferior) result.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may be problematic", be specific about what the potential problem is and why it might arise. Provide context to help the reader understand the concern.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be problematic" without providing specific reasons. Vague warnings can be unhelpful and leave the reader unsure of the real concern. Always follow up with a clear explanation.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may be problematic" functions as a hedge, indicating a potential issue or concern without stating it definitively. Ludwig AI confirms that it is acceptable for expressing caution or reservation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it may be problematic" is a useful tool for expressing potential concerns or issues in a variety of contexts. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and common usage across science, news media, and encyclopedic sources. While relatively uncommon, it serves as a neutral hedge to introduce caveats and encourage further discussion. To maximize clarity, it's best practice to follow up with specific reasons and avoid vague warnings. Alternatives include "it could pose challenges" or "it might present difficulties", depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

FAQs

What does "it may be problematic" mean?

The phrase "it may be problematic" suggests that something could potentially cause difficulties, challenges, or issues. It indicates a degree of uncertainty and warns of possible negative consequences.

How to use "it may be problematic" in a sentence?

Use "it may be problematic" to introduce a potential issue or concern. For example, "While the plan seems promising, "it may be problematic" if we don't secure additional funding."

What are some alternatives to "it may be problematic"?

You can use alternatives like "it could pose challenges", "it might present difficulties", or "it could create complications" depending on the specific context.

Is "it may be problematic" formal or informal?

"It may be problematic" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, more precise language might be preferred.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: