problems to overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problems to overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to challenges that are yet to be resolved. For example: "The project team still had a number of problems to overcome before they could complete the mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Engineers had numerous problems to overcome.

The Economist

We had to share those problems to overcome them.

The Guardian

But you create problems to overcome the boredom.

The Guardian - Arts

Needless to say there are still problems to overcome.

Independent

There will be cultural problems to overcome, too.

The Economist

There are still plenty of problems to overcome.

The Economist

There are also fearsome technical problems to overcome.

The Economist

Beyond confusion over what the terms mean, there are other problems to overcome.

The New York Times

There followed a strange period for Treays, lethargic months interrupted by serious personal problems to overcome.

The Guardian - Music

But before we get carried away, there are still problems to overcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There are many other technological problems to overcome," says the Jogmec website.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs than "overcome" for added impact. For instance, "problems to solve", "challenges to conquer" or "difficulties to resolve" can provide more vivid imagery.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a passive voice when describing "problems to overcome". Instead of saying "Problems need to be overcome", opt for the active voice: "We must overcome these problems" for a clearer and more direct message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problems to overcome" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies difficulties or obstacles that need to be addressed and resolved, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problems to overcome" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe challenges or difficulties that must be resolved. As Ludwig's AI indicates, it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings. While versatile, writers should strive for specificity when using this phrase, considering stronger verbs than "overcome" for added impact, and avoiding passive voice constructions for a clearer message. Related alternatives include phrases like "challenges to address" and "difficulties to resolve", offering nuanced ways to express the same general idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenges to address

Replaces "problems" with "challenges" and "overcome" with "address" for a slightly different emphasis.

difficulties to resolve

Substitutes "problems" with "difficulties" and "overcome" with "resolve", highlighting the act of finding solutions.

obstacles to conquer

Replaces "problems" with "obstacles" and "overcome" with "conquer", suggesting a more forceful approach to dealing with challenges.

hurdles to clear

Uses "hurdles" instead of "problems" and "clear" instead of "overcome", creating a metaphor of overcoming obstacles in a race.

issues to tackle

Replaces "problems" with "issues" and "overcome" with "tackle", implying a direct and assertive approach to dealing with difficulties.

setbacks to surmount

Uses "setbacks" instead of "problems" and "surmount" instead of "overcome", emphasizing resilience and rising above challenges.

impediments to bypass

Replaces "problems" with "impediments" and "overcome" with "bypass", suggesting a strategy of avoiding or going around difficulties.

complications to navigate

Uses "complications" instead of "problems" and "navigate" instead of "overcome", implying a need for careful maneuvering and strategic decision-making.

crises to manage

Replaces "problems" with "crises" and "overcome" with "manage", highlighting the need for skillful handling of difficult situations.

shortcomings to address

Substitutes "problems" with "shortcomings", pointing to specific deficiencies or weaknesses that must be improved.

FAQs

How can I use "problems to overcome" in a sentence?

You can use "problems to overcome" to describe obstacles or challenges that need to be resolved. For example: "The team identified several "problems to overcome" before launching the new product."

What are some alternatives to "problems to overcome"?

Some alternatives include "challenges to address", "difficulties to resolve", or "obstacles to conquer". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "problems to overcome" formal or informal?

"Problems to overcome" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider using a more sophisticated alternative, such as "impediments to bypass".

What's the difference between "problems to overcome" and "challenges to face"?

While both phrases refer to difficulties, ""problems to overcome"" emphasizes the need for resolution, while "challenges to face" simply acknowledges the existence of difficulties that must be confronted. They are very similar in meaning but "problems to overcome" suggests a more proactive approach.