problematic stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problematic stage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phase or period in a process that presents difficulties or challenges. Example: "The project has reached a problematic stage where we need to reassess our strategies to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

CRPC is defined as disease progression despite an androgen-suppression therapy and is the most problematic stage of prostate cancer (PCa).

EJNMMI Research

Of particular importance is the observation, that RNAi caused death in the larval stage, which is frequently the most problematic stage in terms of feeding damage.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But a problematic staging touch came at the opening of Act II.

The New York Times - Arts

To characterize the stages of development of the Atlantic salmon and identify potentially problematic stages, we assayed mortality rates during embryonic and larval development.

BMC Genomics

For instance, we know that immunosuppression, whatever its origin, can favor cancer progression, but we do not know precisely the shape of the relationship between the lengths of time people must stay in an immunosuppressive state for an invasive cancer to progress until problematic stages.

Evolutionary Applications

After a problematic opening stage, Contador had been shadowing the other favorites closely for the first week and a half of this Tour, a pattern that continued until the final seconds of the 12th stage Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

This is less problematic in stage 1 of the reform since the SNB would lend a large amount to banks.

Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics

The bells that draw the knights to the Grail ceremony at Monsalvat in Acts 1 and 3 have often proved problematic to stage.

Wikipedia

Richard Strauss's one-act opera "DAPHNE" is a problematic work to stage.

The New York Times

In the first stage, problematic cells are detected by comparing the percentage of well-performing UEs to a certain threshold.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Postulating a mechanism whereby acidification should have favored these geographically distributed genera remains problematic at this stage.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problematic stage", clearly specify what makes that stage problematic to avoid ambiguity. Provide context to explain the nature of the difficulties encountered.

Common error

Avoid using "problematic stage" as a generic descriptor. If a stage is simply challenging or complex, consider using more precise language to reflect the specific nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic stage" functions as a descriptive term, typically modifying a noun to indicate that a particular phase or point in a process is causing difficulties or presenting challenges. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to highlight issues within a defined timeframe or segment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problematic stage" serves to identify a period marked by difficulties or challenges. Although grammatically correct, it is relatively rare. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing that the phrase is used across both scientific and news media. To improve clarity, always contextualize what makes the stage problematic. Consider using alternatives like "troublesome phase" or "difficult stage" for increased impact. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase without proper justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troublesome phase

Replaces "problematic" with "troublesome", focusing on the difficulty aspect.

difficult stage

Uses "difficult" instead of "problematic", highlighting the challenge.

challenging phase

Substitutes "problematic" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature.

critical juncture

Replaces both words with more formal terms.

sensitive period

Implies that special attention is required due to the potential for issues.

awkward phase

Suggests a stage that is uncomfortable or clumsy.

precarious moment

Highlights the instability or risk associated with the phase.

rough patch

Informal expression for a difficult period.

sticky situation

Implies a complex and potentially unpleasant situation.

delicate time

Suggests the need for careful handling to avoid problems.

FAQs

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

Use "problematic stage" to describe a phase or period in a process that presents difficulties or challenges. For example: "The project has reached a "problematic stage" where we need to reassess our strategies."

What are some alternatives to "problematic stage"?

You can use alternatives like "troublesome phase", "difficult stage", or "challenging phase", depending on the context.

Is "problematic stage" formal or informal?

"Problematic stage" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more precise or descriptive language might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What makes a stage "problematic"?

A stage can be considered "problematic" due to various factors, such as technical difficulties, resource constraints, unforeseen complications, or ethical concerns.