problems are surfacing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problems are surfacing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing issues or difficulties that are becoming apparent or emerging in a situation. Example: "As the project progresses, it seems that several problems are surfacing that we need to address immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Bigger problems are surfacing.

The New York Times

"A lot of other health problems are surfacing … there is still a fear of using the very limited health system that was there".

The Guardian

But Toyota, a company that built its reputation with meticulous attention to quality, is now facing a credibility crisis as little-known problems are surfacing with many of its models.

The New York Times

The normally gregarious Mr Pischetsreider is expected to spend the show trying to avoid the serious press, which should add to the fun.Yet, to be fair, although VW's problems are surfacing on Mr Pischetsrieder's watch, they mostly pre-date him.

The Economist

But this year's report sets out the difficulties of reaching the target more clearly, warning that "deep-seated problems are surfacing; painful structural adjustments need to be made; the pace of economic growth is changing".

The Guardian

And the problems are surfacing just 13 months before Gov. Jerry Brown, the project's biggest supporter, will leave office.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But problems were surfacing.

The New York Times

Problems were surfacing there, too, however.

The New York Times

But even as he spoke, the new problem was surfacing.

The New York Times

The problem is surfacing again this week at an international meeting on water and waste in Stockholm.

The New York Times

The overpayment problem is surfacing just as the White House is absorbing a new report detailing a "corrosive culture" within the VA, a habit of deceit and mismanagement in its personnel practices.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "problems are surfacing" to introduce the idea that issues are becoming noticeable or apparent, especially after a period where they were hidden or not fully understood. It's suitable for describing situations where the emergence of problems is a key development.

Common error

Avoid using "problems are surfacing" when the issues have been well-known and discussed for a long time. The phrase implies a recent discovery or revelation, so it's not appropriate for long-standing, obvious problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problems are surfacing" functions as a statement indicating that issues or difficulties are becoming noticeable or apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's often used to introduce the idea that previously hidden or unknown problems are now emerging.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problems are surfacing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that issues or difficulties are becoming apparent. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Alternative phrases like "issues are emerging" or "difficulties are arising" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using the phrase, ensure that the issues are indeed newly emerging and not long-standing problems. The high source quality and expert rating further validate its appropriateness in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issues are emerging

Replaces "problems" with "issues", maintaining the sense of something coming to light.

difficulties are arising

Substitutes "problems" with "difficulties" and "surfacing" with "arising", indicating challenges are starting to appear.

challenges are presenting themselves

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize that difficulties are actively showing up.

concerns are becoming evident

Focuses on the worrisome aspect of the issues and their increasing visibility.

complications are unfolding

Suggests a more gradual and developing emergence of problems.

troubles are materializing

Emphasizes the tangible realization of negative issues.

snags are developing

Uses a more informal term, "snags", to indicate minor problems that are growing.

setbacks are arising

Specifically highlights that problems are causing a delay or reversal in progress.

obstacles are emerging

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the problems that are becoming visible.

hitches are cropping up

Uses a more colloquial term, "hitches", to describe unexpected small problems that are appearing.

FAQs

How can I use "problems are surfacing" in a sentence?

You can use "problems are surfacing" to indicate that issues or difficulties are becoming apparent or emerging. For example, "As the project progresses, it seems that several "problems are surfacing" that we need to address immediately."

What can I say instead of "problems are surfacing"?

You can use alternatives like "issues are arising", "difficulties are emerging", or "challenges are appearing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "problems were surfacing"?

Yes, "problems were surfacing" is grammatically correct. It's the past continuous tense of ""problems are surfacing"" and suggests that problems were in the process of becoming apparent at a specific time in the past.

What's the difference between "problems are surfacing" and "problems have surfaced"?

"Problems are surfacing" implies that issues are currently in the process of becoming apparent, while "problems have surfaced" suggests that the issues have already become fully apparent.