it was problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was problematic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, issue, or event that caused difficulties or challenges. Example: "The project's timeline was too tight, and it was problematic for the team to meet the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was problematic because of its paradox of family-friendly songs on the one hand and lowbrow elements on the other – lyrics and videos with sexual overtones.

Vice

It was problematic enough to want to move.

The Guardian - Books

"We were O.K., but it was problematic," said Joel Payne, Sparkplug's vice president for engineering.

The New York Times - Tech

It was problematic enough to be arming rebels in Afghanistan who were killing Soviet soldiers.

The New York Times

"It was problematic with some of the [Sainsbury's] products, like pies and quiches, which contained meat.

The Guardian - Money

Legally, of course, it was problematic for a government official to entertain job offers while in office.

The New York Times

Ms. McLellan said she would ask a separate committee to study this but said it was problematic.

The New York Times

Mr. Zaks said that if he had known it was problematic, he wouldn't have done it in the first place.

The New York Times

In particular, Mr. Friedlander said it was problematic because borough presidents have a say in budget and land-use decisions affecting the Board of Education.

The New York Times

Most counsellors said they would try to help patients come to terms with their sexuality if they felt it was problematic, but a small number were openly discriminatory.

The Guardian

Amid the tumult of Braveheart Day, I asked Ricketts whether it was problematic that this outpouring of charity from the community was — in effect — facilitating ABC's profits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was problematic", be specific about why it was problematic. Provide context and details to clarify the nature of the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "it was problematic" without providing specific details. Instead of just stating the problem, explain what made it problematic and what the consequences were.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was problematic" functions as a descriptive statement, typically identifying an issue or challenge associated with a situation, plan, or action. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used to express that something caused difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was problematic" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating that something presented challenges or difficulties. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to specify why something was problematic, avoiding vague statements. While neutral in tone, consider stronger language for formal settings. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate issues and their impact. Overall, this expression helps to convey critical assessments and inform the audience about potential flaws.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presented challenges

Focuses on the difficulties encountered, using a more active voice.

it posed difficulties

Highlights the difficulties as something the situation 'posed', emphasizing the impact.

it created complications

Emphasizes the act of generating new problems or obstacles.

it raised concerns

Shifts the focus to the anxieties or worries that arose from the situation.

it proved troublesome

Indicates the situation was the source of annoyance or difficulty.

it was not without its issues

Understates the problem, suggesting it was not perfect, but still functional.

it had its drawbacks

Focuses on the negative aspects and disadvantages of the situation.

it suffered from limitations

Highlights the inherent restrictions or constraints present.

it wasn't ideal

Downplays the issue, stating it was less than perfect, but acceptable.

it left something to be desired

Indicates dissatisfaction, implying it could have been better.

FAQs

How can I use "it was problematic" in a sentence?

Use "it was problematic" to describe a situation, issue, or event that caused difficulties or challenges. For example, "The approach was innovative, but "it was problematic" due to unforeseen logistical constraints."

What can I say instead of "it was problematic"?

You can use alternatives like "it presented challenges", "it posed difficulties", or "it raised concerns" depending on the context.

Is "it was problematic" formal or informal?

"It was problematic" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, consider using stronger or more precise language depending on the situation.

Which is correct, "it was problematic" or "there was a problem"?

Both "it was problematic" and "there was a problem" are correct, but they have slightly different focuses. "It was problematic" emphasizes the troublesome nature of something, while "there was a problem" simply states the existence of an issue.