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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
problematic phase
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "problematic phase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period or stage in a process that presents difficulties or challenges. Example: "During the project, we encountered a problematic phase that required additional resources and time to resolve."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The most problematic phase of Russia's identity quest culminated in outright confrontation with the West during the deadly Georgia conflict of August 2008.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The still problematic phases of the application of these methodology will be discussed: the plan of the stereoscopic stripes which is rendered complicated by system instability, the non-metric camera calibration, the surface model generation and their solution according to the morphology of the surveyed area.
Science
Using the same problematic two-phase design, a second British study [ 22] included 48 7–17 years olds looked after by a local authority and interviewed 22 CBCL high scorers with the K-SADS-PL [ 26].The authors reported that 21 (44%% of the total sample) had a definite, probable or resolving DSM-IV diagnosis.
Direct application of methods for estimating breeding values in crossbreeding situation can be problematic when association phase between markers and QTL differ in the two parental lines, which is increasingly likely when the distance between markers and QTL increases.
An unduly high rate of false negative results could be especially problematic in early phases of drug development where only one or two chances exist to make the correct decision regarding the efficacy of a drug.
Science
For business students only Low feedback and Exhaustion differed by stage, and they were less problematic in the advanced phase; while medical students in the clinical stage reported more Worries about future endurance/capacity and Role conflict.
Science
The checkpoint response can act in at least three different phases of the cell cycle: in G1, to prevent chromosomes with problematic lesions from entering S phase, in S phase to control their replication, and in G2 (or M in some organisms) to avoid loss of genetic information due to mitotic segregation of severely damaged chromosomes.
Science
For this latter construct, plasmid loss was especially problematic during exponential growth phase, suggesting that the expression of the codon optimized protein induced a host cell stress response.
Science
Coping with delayed sleep phase becomes problematic for teens who need to wake up early for morning classes, resulting in average weeknight sleep durations around 7 hours per night [10] much less than the 8.50 9.25 hours needed at this phase of their lives [11].
Science
A previously described method of detecting unlinkase activity via measuring the partition of liberated RNA to the phenol phase is problematic due to the potential degradation of VPg; the products that result from proteolysis partition to the aqueous phase, possibly leading to ambiguous interpretations of the data [22], [24].
Science
The prospective identification of study participants in research in the dying phase is problematic as there are no specific criteria for identifying the dying phase [ 2].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "problematic phase", ensure the context clearly defines the specific issues or difficulties associated with that particular stage. Provide concrete examples to enhance clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "problematic phase" without specifying the actual problems. Be specific about what makes the phase challenging to prevent ambiguity.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "problematic phase" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "problematic" modifies the noun "phase". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound. It describes a specific period or stage that is characterized by difficulties or issues.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "problematic phase" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a period or stage characterized by difficulties or challenges. Ludwig indicates it is suitable for diverse contexts, though more commonly seen in science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the issues to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "difficult stage" or "challenging period" depending on the desired nuance. Although "problematic phase" occurs infrequently, you can confidently use it in professional, scientific, or journalistic writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
difficult stage
Replaces "problematic" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenging nature of the phase.
troublesome period
Substitutes both words, highlighting the troublesome aspect of the time frame.
challenging time
Emphasizes the demanding nature of the period.
complicated stage
Focuses on the complexity and intricacy of the phase.
awkward juncture
Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a difficult point in time.
sensitive period
Highlights the delicate and potentially risky aspect of the phase.
critical juncture
Emphasizes the importance and potential for crisis during the phase.
testing time
Focuses on the trial and tribulation aspect of the period.
unsettled period
Suggests instability and lack of resolution during the phase.
thorny issue
Emphasizes the issue rather than the phase.
FAQs
How can I use "problematic phase" in a sentence?
You can use "problematic phase" to describe a period or stage in a process that presents difficulties or challenges. For example, "The project encountered a "problematic phase" due to unforeseen technical issues."
What are some alternatives to "problematic phase"?
Alternatives include "difficult stage", "challenging period", or "troublesome time", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.
Is "problematic phase" formal or informal?
"Problematic phase" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in professional or academic writing. More casual alternatives might include "rough patch" or "tricky bit".
What makes a phase "problematic"?
A phase can be considered "problematic" when it involves unexpected difficulties, obstacles, or challenges that hinder progress or cause concern. These problems can range from technical issues to interpersonal conflicts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested