not without problems

USAGE SUMMARY

'not without problems' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has issues or complications associated with it. For example, "The new software upgrade was successful, but not without problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was not without problems.

Independent

The system is not without problems.

The New York Times - Science

This tax is not without problems.

The New York Times

The work is not without problems.

The New York Times - Arts

The opening night was not without problems.

Independent

Natural gas is not without problems.

The New York Times

Aquaculture is not without problems, however.

The New York Times

Yet the show is not without problems.

The New York Times - Arts

But his tenure was not without problems.

The New York Times

But the book is not without problems.

The Economist

Hastings is not without problems.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific language after introducing "not without problems" to detail the exact nature of the difficulties encountered.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "not without problems" without elaborating. Provide context and specific examples to give your statement more weight and inform the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without problems" functions as an adjectival phrase or qualifier. It modifies a noun or noun phrase to indicate that while something might be generally positive or successful, it is accompanied by certain difficulties or challenges. This nuance is apparent in the Ludwig examples, as stated by Ludwig AI, where projects, systems, or situations are described as having positive aspects despite existing issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not without problems" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge the existence of difficulties alongside positive aspects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Occurring most frequently in news and media, and followed by scientific contexts, it provides nuance and credibility to writing. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples of the problems to avoid vagueness. While there are several alternatives, they each carry subtly different connotations. Therefore, choose carefully to ensure an accurate representation of the situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fraught with difficulties

Suggests a high level of stress and potential problems.

with some difficulties

Emphasizes the existence of specific difficulties encountered.

beset by issues

Presents the subject as being surrounded and affected by problems.

with certain complications

Focuses on the complexity and entanglement of the issues.

facing some challenges

Highlights the active nature of dealing with difficulties.

not without a struggle

Highlights the effort required to overcome the challenges.

presenting some obstacles

Highlights the impediments that needs to be overcome.

not without its hitches

Implies minor, unexpected issues occurred.

with its share of setbacks

Indicates the occurrence of temporary impediments to progress.

not a smooth ride

Uses a metaphor to describe a difficult experience.

FAQs

How can I use "not without problems" in a sentence?

You can use "not without problems" to acknowledge difficulties or drawbacks associated with a particular situation, idea, or solution. For example, "The project was successful, but "not without problems"".

What are some alternatives to saying "not without problems"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "with some difficulties", "facing some challenges", or "fraught with difficulties".

Is it better to say "not without problems" or "without problems"?

"Without problems" implies a complete absence of issues, while ""not without problems"" acknowledges that there were some difficulties, even if the overall outcome was positive. The best choice depends on the specific situation you are describing.

What does "not without problems" imply about the situation?

The phrase ""not without problems"" suggests that while something may have been successful or positive in some way, it also involved challenges, difficulties, or drawbacks that should be acknowledged.