more problematical than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more problematical than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the complexity or difficulty of one issue or situation to another. Example: "The new policy is more problematical than the previous one, as it creates additional confusion among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Steven Soderbergh spins an unlikely comedy from the true story of an agri-business executive (played by Matt Damon) whose offer to blow the whistle on a price-fixing scheme turns out to be more problematical than his F.B.I. handlers (Scott Bakula and Joel McHale) ever imagined.

The New York Times

When there are more than 2 groups, computing probabilities is a little more problematical than it was in logistic regression.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"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

Jerome Robbins's "I'm Old Fashioned" is more problematical.

The New York Times - Arts

More problematical, he said, was his frustration over a growing public perception that gun makers were "merchants of death" rather than part of a $6 billion sporting industry.

The New York Times

The second and third reports could be more problematical for Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The New York Times

Their incompetence was made more problematical because the overall quality of the fiction in the year in question was poor.

The Guardian - Books

The back room is more problematical, but its wall legends seem to refer to ways and properties of art materials.

The New York Times

It appears more and more problematical, however, whether the "balanced" budget which he promised in January can be made a reality.

The New York Times

This is even more problematical as humanitarian agencies are simply not equipped for this role and have to rely on the authorities.

The Guardian

"The investment grade was premature," he said, "and the explanations given are exceedingly rosy, unreflective of a far more problematical situation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more common synonyms like 'more difficult than' or 'more complex than' if the audience is not familiar with 'problematical'.

Common error

Avoid using "more problematical than" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "more of a problem than" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more problematical than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that one thing is causing or likely to cause more problems than another. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a way of contrasting the degree of difficulty or complexity between two subjects.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more problematical than" is a grammatically correct comparative used to indicate a greater degree of difficulty or complexity. As Ludwig AI highlights, while accurate, its formality may make it less suitable for informal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it’s crucial to ensure contextual clarity when employing this phrase. Consider alternatives like "more difficult than" or "more complex than" depending on the desired nuance and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more challenging than

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

more complex than

Highlights the intricate nature of the comparison.

more difficult than

Emphasizes the increased level of effort required.

more complicated than

Stresses the convoluted nature of the subject.

more intricate than

Highlights the detailed and elaborate aspects.

more vexing than

Focuses on the irritating or frustrating nature.

more thorny than

Implies a situation filled with difficulties and obstacles.

more arduous than

Emphasizes the strenuous and demanding aspects.

more precarious than

Highlights the instability and risk involved.

more sensitive than

Focuses on the delicate nature of the topic requiring careful handling.

FAQs

What does "more problematical than" mean?

The phrase "more problematical than" indicates that something presents greater difficulties or challenges compared to something else. It suggests a higher degree of complexity or potential issues.

Is "more problematical than" grammatically correct?

Yes, "more problematical than" is grammatically correct. It is a valid comparative construction using the adjective "problematical".

What are some alternatives to "more problematical than"?

You can use alternatives like "more difficult than", "more complex than", or "more challenging than" depending on the context.

How do I use "more problematical than" in a sentence?

Use "more problematical than" to compare two things, highlighting that one presents more problems or difficulties. For example: "Implementing the new software update is "more complicated than" we initially anticipated, making it "more problematical than" the previous version".