problems start to surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problems start to surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or difficulties that begin to become apparent or noticeable over time. Example: "As the project progressed, problems started to surface that we hadn't anticipated during the planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dig deeper, though, and problems start to surface.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When the stock market began to lose air earlier this year, problems started to surface at a Silicon Valley start-up, says a sales executive who worked there.

The New York Times

Weekend plans start to surface.

TechCrunch

But problems are starting to surface even as the company is winning recognition as the number one company in the Fortune 500--unions keep pressurIts Its minimum-wage employees and allegations of gender discrimination are alleged.

Harvard Business Review

As auto executives from around the world prepare to gather on Monday for media days at the Beijing auto show, the talk is also likely to revolve around another problem that has started to surface in the Chinese market: rampant discounting at dealerships.

The New York Times

A second problem is that doubts are starting to surface about the government's commitment to structural reform.

The Guardian - Business

And new problems, like losses on loans made to small corporations and commercial real estate developers, are just starting to surface.

The New York Times

More and more first-person pieces are starting to surface.

The Guardian

Even names of possible Whitman successors have started to surface.

The New York Times

Now, the tragic tidings have started to surface elsewhere.

Independent

Guide Post: Here's where confusion starts to surface.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "problems start to surface", ensure the context clearly indicates the initial stage of the problems becoming apparent. Providing specific examples or indicators can strengthen the message.

Common error

Avoid using "problems start to surface" too frequently in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or alternative expressions to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problems start to surface" functions as a statement indicating the emergence of difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and implies a process where issues become noticeable. Examples show its use in various contexts to denote the beginning of troubles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problems start to surface" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the initial appearance of difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, indicating its versatility. While "problems start to surface" is widely accepted, it's advisable to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "issues begin to arise" to maintain variety in writing. The linguistic analysis reveals its neutral register and communicative purpose of informing about emerging issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulties begin to emerge

Replaces "problems" with "difficulties" and "surface" with "emerge", emphasizing the initial appearance of challenges.

issues begin to arise

Substitutes "problems" with "issues" and "surface" with "arise", indicating the commencement of problems.

troubles begin to appear

Changes "problems" to "troubles" and "surface" to "appear", highlighting the initial visibility of difficulties.

challenges start to present themselves

Replaces "problems" with "challenges" and uses a more descriptive phrase for "surface", suggesting the problems are becoming noticeable.

difficulties are becoming apparent

Focuses on the growing visibility of difficulties, changing the verb and emphasizing the gradual revealing of issues.

issues are beginning to unfold

Shifts the focus to the process of issues revealing themselves over time, changing the verb and emphasizing the unfolding nature of problems.

problems are coming to light

Emphasizes the revealing aspect of problems, suggesting they are becoming known or visible, changing "surface" to "come to light".

difficulties are starting to show

Focuses on the visible signs of difficulties, suggesting that problems are becoming evident, changing "surface" to "show".

issues begin to manifest

Uses a more formal term, "manifest", to describe the problems becoming visible, changing "surface" to "manifest".

problems are starting to materialize

Emphasizes the concrete realization of problems, suggesting they are becoming real or tangible, changing "surface" to "materialize".

FAQs

How can I use "problems start to surface" in a sentence?

You can use "problems start to surface" to describe the initial phase when difficulties become noticeable. For example, "As the project progressed, "problems started to surface" that we hadn't anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "problems start to surface"?

Alternatives include "difficulties begin to emerge", "issues begin to arise", or "challenges start to present themselves", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "problems begin to surface" or "problems start to surface"?

Both "problems begin to surface" and "problems start to surface" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. Using "begin" might sound slightly more formal than using "start".

What does it mean when "problems start to surface" in a project?

When "problems start to surface" in a project, it means that difficulties or issues that were previously hidden or not apparent are now becoming noticeable and requiring attention. It indicates the initial phase of these problems becoming visible.