it was very problematical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very problematical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is complicated or difficult to resolve. Example: "The project faced numerous challenges, and it was very problematical to find a solution that satisfied everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Commenting on the Soviet and American searches: "Since the U.S.S.R., for natural reasons, knew better where the Boeing had been downed...it was very problematical to retrieve anything, especially as the U.S.S.R. was not particularly interested".

Wikipedia

It was very strange to stand with Elijah for those few moments, facing those vivid, violent, so problematical streets.

The New Yorker

"It was very, very, very, very late".

The New Yorker

"I think the banking part of this is more problematical this time than it was in 2001 because we're in the middle of a fixed-income crisis because people just don't trust each other," he says, adding: "It's very scary, very scary … I don't see a quick recovery".

Forbes

She acknowledged, however, it was "a very problematical situation".

The New York Times

"It was a problematical site with incredibly huge rocks on a slope in a flood plain," she said.

The New York Times

This is the ugliest of the three reasons, and indulging it is a problematical standard for compassion.

The New Yorker

Although the phenomenon is well established in cellular systems, it is still problematical as to whether or not it will have any utility in establishing risks of ionizing radiation to humans.

Environmental Health Perspectives

But "these are very disturbing developments that are going on now," he added, "and look very problematical from an international investor's point of view".

The New York Times

The problem with the internet is that any attempt to build border controls like firewalls would be very expensive, probably won't work for those people who are technically literate, and is legally problematical.

BBC

However, as noted above, it is problematical whether the increase in the formamide modification is related to cancer.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger, more common synonyms like "challenging", "difficult", or "problematic" for clearer and more impactful communication.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "problematical"; variety in your word choice will make your writing more engaging and sophisticated. Explore alternatives such as "complex", "intricate", or even describing the specific problems encountered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very problematical" functions as a descriptive statement. "It was" serves as the subject and verb, while "very problematical" is an adjective phrase modifying 'it', indicating a significant degree of difficulty or complexity.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was very problematical" is a grammatically correct way to express that something presented significant difficulties. However, as Ludwig AI suggests, it's not the most common or impactful choice. Stronger and more direct synonyms like "challenging" or "problematic" are often preferred for clarity. When writing, consider the specific context and audience to determine the most appropriate word choice, avoiding overuse of "problematical" for a more engaging and sophisticated style. While grammatically sound, opting for more common synonyms can enhance readability and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was highly problematic

Emphasizes the presence of significant problems, using a more direct synonym.

it presented significant challenges

Focuses on the challenges posed, rather than directly labeling it problematic.

it was fraught with difficulties

Highlights the abundance of difficulties involved.

it posed considerable issues

Emphasizes the issues that arose.

it was exceedingly difficult

Shifts the focus to the level of difficulty.

it involved numerous complications

Highlights the complex nature of the situation.

it was anything but straightforward

Expresses the complexity by stating the opposite of simplicity.

it engendered a host of problems

Highlights the creation or generation of multiple problems.

it was quite thorny

Uses a metaphor to describe the challenging and complex nature.

it was a tough nut to crack

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the difficulty of resolving the issue.

FAQs

What does "it was very problematical" mean?

The phrase "it was very problematical" means that something was highly problematic or presented significant difficulties.

What can I say instead of "it was very problematical"?

You can use alternatives like "it was highly problematic", "it presented significant challenges", or "it was fraught with difficulties" depending on the context.

Is "problematical" a commonly used word?

While grammatically correct, "problematical" is less common than its synonym, "problematic". Using "problematic" may sound more natural to contemporary English speakers.

How to use "it was very problematical" in a sentence?

Use "it was very problematical" to describe a situation, task, or issue that was complex and presented many obstacles. For example: "Implementing the new system was very problematical due to technical constraints."