problematic to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problematic to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or challenges related to recognizing or determining something. Example: "The symptoms of the disease can be problematic to identify, leading to misdiagnosis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

An influx of African recruits had, according to Raqqawi, made it increasingly problematic to identify the Britons.

The Guardian

However, when considering crime in both place and time, it is problematic to identify crime rates.

Crime Science

Both groups are problematic to identify but could be very important.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

First, we unfold the problematic to identify the contributing factors, then we observe the tendencies through a questionnaire with design students and interviews with design instructors, and finally we project upon our findings.

Design Studies

However, complexities of muscle structure and the heterogeneity of cell populations in the heart make in vivo studies and in vitro studies of the whole-heart preparations problematic to identify the primary cause and mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity at the cellular level.

Comprehensive Toxicology

Major histocompatibility complex associations have been found for many diseases, but it remains problematic to identify the causative variation.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Three groups of complexes have been identified as problematic to discover.

Biology Direct

These data were self-reported, and recall bias may be problematic when trying to identify and quantify CAM use.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This similarity to otherwise normal but primed T cells is potentially problematic when trying to identify or isolate true TR cells and precludes the use of CD25 alone (or any other surface molecule yet found) as an infallible marker.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Additionally, the Maryland populations that we sampled were problematic for experts to identify because these populations were beyond the known range for the species at the time they were discovered.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Additionally, it should be noted that the same problematic reagents employed to identify the role of EMT in fibrosis, such as fibroblast markers of dubious specificity (for example, FSP1, vimentin) are also prevalent in a number of studies examining the role of fibrocytes [ 71].

Fibrogenesis and Tissue Repair

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problematic to identify", ensure the context clearly specifies what is causing the difficulty in identification. Providing details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "problematic to identify" without specifying what exactly is difficult to identify. For example, instead of saying "the issue was problematic to identify", specify "the root cause of the error was problematic to identify because of insufficient logging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic to identify" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or concept to describe its characteristic of being difficult to recognize or determine. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problematic to identify" describes a state where recognizing or determining something presents difficulties. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is valid and can be used in written English. While not overly common, its presence in scientific and news contexts indicates its appropriateness for formal communication. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context on what makes the identification difficult. Alternatives like "difficult to discern" or "hard to pinpoint" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remembering that the meaning focuses on the difficulty in identification, writers can effectively utilize this phrase to add nuance and convey the challenges inherent in recognizing or determining specific elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to discern

Emphasizes the challenge in distinguishing or perceiving something clearly.

challenging to detect

Highlights the difficulty in noticing or discovering something.

hard to pinpoint

Focuses on the struggle to precisely locate or define something.

troublesome to ascertain

Indicates difficulty in establishing something with certainty.

complicated to recognize

Stresses the complexity involved in acknowledging or identifying something.

not easy to determine

A more straightforward way of saying something is difficult to establish.

presents identification challenges

Shifts the focus to the inherent difficulties in the process of identification.

poses difficulties in recognition

Emphasizes the obstacles encountered when trying to recognize something.

elusive to detect

Suggests that something is hard to catch or find.

not readily apparent

Indicates that something is not immediately obvious or easily noticeable.

FAQs

What does "problematic to identify" mean?

The phrase "problematic to identify" means something presents challenges or difficulties in being recognized, determined, or ascertained. It suggests there are obstacles that make identification not straightforward.

How can I use "problematic to identify" in a sentence?

You can use "problematic to identify" to describe a situation where pinpointing something is difficult. For example: "The source of the contamination was "difficult to discern"", or "The early symptoms were "hard to pinpoint" because they mimicked other conditions".

What are some alternatives to "problematic to identify"?

Some alternatives to "problematic to identify" include "difficult to discern", "challenging to detect", "hard to pinpoint", or "not easy to determine". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult to identify" or "problematic to identify"?

Both "difficult to identify" and "problematic to identify" are grammatically correct and understandable. "Problematic to identify" suggests that the difficulty stems from specific problems or issues, whereas "difficult to identify" simply indicates a general challenge. Choose the phrasing that best fits the context.