it was problematic to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was problematic to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing issues or difficulties related to a specific action or situation. Example: "It was problematic to implement the new software without proper training for the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Michael Mandel, the economist who conducted the TechNet study, said it was problematic to slice the jobs data as Apple had done.

The New York Times

Carole Puls, a spokeswoman for Eli Lilly and Co., which makes Zyprexa, said it was problematic to compare large groups of medications because there are differences between the drugs in each class.

The Washington Post

Zhang and Qin (2013) argued that in Jiang and Lin (2012), the equation form and variable selection should be altered, and it was problematic to use regression equation to project the future.

Energy Policy

When I asked him if he felt it was problematic to offer to put visitors "in the shoes" of female murder victims, he replied: "There's obviously only so far that we go – we're just creating the atmosphere – we're not going too far with it".

The Guardian - Opinion

Students felt it was problematic to struggle between free imagination and experimentation, even to the extent that they could not force their creativity to flow.

European Journal of Futures Research

Nasa administrator Charles Bolden said it was problematic to take part in the ExoMars project because it was billed as a "flagship mission".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Why has it been problematic to get supplies into the area?

The New York Times

It is problematic to judge a woman by her husband's deeds.

The Guardian

Subsequently, it is problematic to design accurate mathematical models for uncertain systems.

Materials Today: Proceedings

It is problematic to mimic the dynamic and ecologically diverse features of the colon.

Journal of Controlled Release

In most clinical trials it is problematic to recruit enough patients within a reasonable time period.

Controlled Clinical Trials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was problematic to", clearly state the reason why something was problematic to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It was problematic to implement the system", specify "It was problematic to implement the system due to a lack of training."

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "it was problematic to". Opt for active voice where possible to make the sentence more direct and impactful. Instead of "It was problematic to obtain the data", consider "Obtaining the data proved problematic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was problematic to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, indicating that a particular action or situation presented difficulties or issues. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was problematic to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, particularly in academic and news contexts, to denote challenges or difficulties associated with a specific action or situation. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate and understandable. While effective, varying the language using alternatives like "it proved difficult to" or "it presented challenges to" can enrich writing and prevent repetition. It is important to clearly articulate the reasons behind the problematic nature to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proved difficult to

Emphasizes the difficulty encountered when attempting a specific action.

it posed difficulties for

Highlights the difficulties that arose as a result of a particular action or situation.

it presented challenges to

Focuses on the challenges posed by a situation, rather than directly stating it was problematic.

it created issues for

Focuses on the issues that were caused, rather than the problematic nature of something.

it was troublesome to

Suggests that something caused trouble or inconvenience.

it raised concerns about

Emphasizes the concerns that were raised as a result of a particular action or situation.

it was inadvisable to

Suggests that a certain action was not recommended.

it was unwise to

Indicates a lack of wisdom in taking a particular action.

it was counterproductive to

Highlights the counterproductive nature of a certain action.

it was questionable to

Suggests that the action was of dubious validity.

FAQs

What does "it was problematic to" mean?

The phrase "it was problematic to" means that something was difficult, troublesome, or presented significant issues or challenges. It implies that there were obstacles or negative consequences associated with a particular action or situation.

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

You can use "it was problematic to" to describe a difficulty or challenge encountered when trying to achieve something. For instance, "It was problematic to implement the new software due to compatibility issues."

What are some alternatives to "it was problematic to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it proved difficult to", "it posed difficulties for", or "it presented challenges to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it was problematic to" or "it is problematic to"?

The choice between "it was problematic to" and "it is problematic to" depends on the time frame you're referring to. Use "it was problematic to" when discussing a past situation or difficulty. Use "it is problematic to" when referring to a current or ongoing issue.