problem comes up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem comes up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to describe a situation in which a problem appears suddenly or unexpectedly. For example: "Every time we try to finish this project, a new problem comes up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But the British Board of Jewish Deputies said: "This problem comes up on a regular basis.

The Guardian

I thought it was going to be more, a problem comes up, you address it".

The New York Times

"If some problem comes up, we'll deal with it," her mother said.

The New York Times - Health

The problem comes up all the time: American reporters are trained to avoid hand-outs from the people we're interviewing.

The New Yorker

The same problem comes up in image search, in two ways: many kinds of pictures are rare, and many kinds of labels are rare.

The New Yorker

I'm often out drinking on the weekend with my best friend, who's also gay, and this same problem comes up time and time again – everyone thinks we're dating.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Then this problem came up.

The New York Times

Why didn't this problem come up in Iowa?

The New York Times

Like so many other teams, the Indians have a problem coming up with enough pitching.

The New York Times - Sports

But I see a potential problem coming up that may require such a trip.

The New York Times

They said that signs of a problem came up during a regular 18-month management review.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problem comes up", ensure the context clearly indicates what the problem is and the potential impact it may have. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "problem comes up" without specifying the nature of the problem. Vague references can confuse your audience and diminish the impact of your message. Always specify what the problem is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem comes up" functions as an intransitive verb phrase. It's used to express the occurrence or appearance of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problem comes up" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the emergence of a difficulty or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure you specify the nature of the problem to avoid vagueness. When alternatives are needed, consider options like "issue arises" or "difficulty emerges" for a more formal tone. Its frequency, as seen in the many examples in Ludwig, ensures it's a readily understood phrase across diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue arises

Focuses on the beginning or appearance of the issue.

difficulty emerges

Highlights the gradual appearance of a challenging situation.

challenge presents itself

Emphasizes that a challenge is now in view and needs attention.

complication surfaces

This indicates that a complicated aspect is now visible.

snag develops

Focuses on an unexpected problem that interrupts progress.

obstacle materializes

Highlights the formation of an impediment to a goal.

hitch occurs

A small temporary impediment.

setback arises

Emphasizes the adverse effects of an unexpected problem.

matter unfolds

Implies a gradual revelation of a problem.

situation develops

Describes how a problem evolves over time.

FAQs

How can I use "problem comes up" in a sentence?

Use "problem comes up" to indicate that an issue has suddenly appeared or become relevant. For example, "Every time we try to implement this new system, a new "problem comes up".

What can I say instead of "problem comes up"?

You can use alternatives like "issue arises", "difficulty emerges", or "challenge presents itself" depending on the context.

Is "problem comes up" formal or informal?

The phrase "problem comes up" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from a more precise alternative.

What's the difference between "problem comes up" and "problem arises"?

While similar, "problem arises" often implies a more formal or serious context compared to "problem comes up", which is more neutral and can be used in everyday conversation.