posed a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "posed a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or challenge that has arisen in a particular situation. Example: "The unexpected delay in delivery posed a problem for the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But geography posed a problem.

The New York Times

Two large settlements posed a problem.

The New York Times

Unsurprisingly, this posed a problem.

The Guardian

Even the exhibit's title posed a problem.

The New Yorker

The air-conditioning posed a problem.

The New York Times

But appealing to scrapbookers posed a problem.

The New York Times

Starting pitching has particularly posed a problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Edwards rarely posed a problem for the team.

The New York Times - Sports

Volatile parents have long posed a problem for tennis.

The New York Times - Sports

For a historical novelist, this clearly posed a problem.

The Guardian

This conundrum has long posed a problem for Labour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "posed a problem" when you want to clearly and directly state that something created a difficulty or challenge. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "posed a problem" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal settings. Alternatives like "was a pain" or "caused trouble" might be more appropriate for casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "posed a problem" functions as a predicate within a sentence, indicating that a specific issue or situation created a challenge or difficulty. This construction is widely accepted and used across various contexts, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "posed a problem" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express that something presented a difficulty or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across varied contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While alternatives like "presented a challenge" or "created an obstacle" exist, "posed a problem" offers a direct and clear way to communicate the emergence of an issue. When writing, be mindful of the context, opting for more casual alternatives in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presented a challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", implying a situation needing effort to overcome.

presented an issue

A more neutral and general alternative, where “issue” replaces “problem”.

created an obstacle

Substitutes "posed" with "created" and "problem" with "obstacle", highlighting the hindering aspect.

gave rise to difficulties

Emphasizes the emergence of difficulties as a consequence.

generated difficulties

Focuses on the creation of difficulties.

led to complications

Focuses on the complex nature of the resulting issues.

proved troublesome

Uses an adjective to describe the problematic nature.

caused a setback

Highlights the hindering effect on progress.

occasioned concerns

Highlights the worries and anxieties caused by the problem.

constituted a hindrance

Formal alternative, emphasizing the obstructive effect.

FAQs

How can I use "posed a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "posed a problem" to indicate that something presented a challenge or difficulty. For example, "The lack of funding posed a problem for the research team."

What can I say instead of "posed a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "presented a challenge", "created an obstacle", or "gave rise to difficulties" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "poses a problem" or "posed a problem"?

"Poses a problem" is used for present or ongoing issues, while "posed a problem" is used for past issues. For example, "The current regulations poses a problem for small businesses" versus "The previous policy posed a problem for international trade."

What is the difference between "posed a problem" and "caused a problem"?

"Posed a problem" often implies that something presented a challenge that needed to be addressed, while "caused a problem" simply means something led to a problematic situation. They are largely interchangeable, but "posed a problem" can sometimes carry a slightly more formal tone.