problematic for

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "problematic for" when you want to describe something that is difficult, complicated, or challenging for someone or something. Example: The complex instructions were problematic for the new employee.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That's problematic for me".

The New York Times

This is problematic for us".

The New York Times

The Philippines is problematic for other reasons.

The Economist

Television is inherently problematic for Republicans.

The New York Times

"This guy is problematic for me.

The New York Times

That is problematic for an economic forecaster".

The New York Times

However, this is problematic for two reasons.

The Economist

It's even problematic for reasons not suggested!

The Guardian - Opinion

That's problematic for public finance managers.

The New York Times

Detaining him was problematic for the Nethers.

The New Yorker

This is problematic for two reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problematic for", be specific about who or what is experiencing the difficulty. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "problematic for" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "a challenge for" or "tough on" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic for" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something poses difficulties or challenges for the entity mentioned after "for". Ludwig confirms the correct and usable nature of the expression in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "problematic for" is a widely used phrase to describe something that presents difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and diverse applicability across various domains, especially news and media and scientific fields. While very common, it's crucial to use it judiciously, considering simpler alternatives for informal contexts. To enhance clarity, always specify what or who experiences the difficulty. When aiming to communicate issues, complications or difficulties, remember to avoid using this phrase in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging for

Replaces "problematic" with "challenging", suggesting difficulty requiring effort to overcome.

difficult for

Uses "difficult" instead of "problematic", indicating a state of not being easy to do or accomplish.

troublesome for

Substitutes "problematic" with "troublesome", emphasizing the inconvenience or annoyance caused.

complicated for

Replaces "problematic" with "complicated", highlighting the complex nature of the issue.

sensitive for

Uses "sensitive" instead of "problematic", indicating the issue requires careful handling due to potential negative reactions.

risky for

Substitutes "problematic" with "risky", emphasizing the potential dangers or negative outcomes.

unfavorable for

Replaces "problematic" with "unfavorable", suggesting that the situation is not advantageous.

disadvantageous for

Uses "disadvantageous" instead of "problematic", highlighting that the situation creates a handicap or obstacle.

inconvenient for

Substitutes "problematic" with "inconvenient", emphasizing the trouble or difficulty caused.

not ideal for

Replaces "problematic" with a less direct phrase, indicating that the situation is less than perfect.

FAQs

How can I use "problematic for" in a sentence?

You can use "problematic for" to describe something that presents difficulties or challenges for a specific entity. For example, "The new regulations are "problematic for" small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "problematic for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "challenging for", "difficult for", or "troublesome for".

Is it better to use "problematic for" or "a problem for"?

Both phrases are correct, but "problematic for" often suggests a more nuanced or complex issue. "A problem for" is more direct and straightforward. The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

What does it mean when something is described as "problematic for" someone?

It means that the situation or thing in question causes difficulties, complications, or challenges for that person or entity. It suggests that there are negative consequences or obstacles involved.