riddled with problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'riddled with problems' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which there are many problems or difficulties. For example: "The project was riddled with problems from the start and it was clear it would never be completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Clearly, the African sting case was riddled with problems.

The New York Times

There is little doubt that PNG is riddled with problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Justice Department report last year portrayed a police department riddled with problems.

The New York Times

Four years ago, both parties' caucuses were riddled with problems before, during and after the vote.

The New York Times

As I revealed in "Mamalita," my daughter's adoption was riddled with problems from beginning to end.

The New York Times

"Email is far from ideal: it's riddled with problems, but that train has left the station.

The Guardian - Tech

Besides, the whole notion of including happiness in public policy discussions is riddled with problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are retail dinosaurs, locked into a system that's riddled with problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

The effort was "riddled with problems as it's getting underway," USA Today reported.

The New York Times

New York's taxi industry has been riddled with problems for as long as anyone can remember.

The New York Times

The trial, which lasted over a decade and cost the government $31 million, was riddled with problems, critics say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "riddled with problems" to clearly and directly communicate that something has many issues, especially when those issues are significant or pervasive. For example, instead of saying "the system had a few problems", you could say "the system was riddled with problems" to emphasize the extent of the issues.

Common error

Avoid using "riddled with problems" too frequently in the same piece of writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fraught with difficulties" or "beset by challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "riddled with problems" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is full of problems. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "riddled with problems" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe something that has many issues. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though primarily found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. While synonyms like "fraught with difficulties" or "beset by challenges" exist, "riddled with problems" clearly and directly communicates a pervasive issue. When using this phrase, remember to vary your language to avoid repetition and ensure your writing remains engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fraught with difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of challenging difficulties.

beset by challenges

Highlights the presence of persistent challenges.

plagued by issues

Suggests a condition of being constantly affected by troublesome issues.

marred by defects

Focuses on flaws or imperfections that negatively impact something.

awash in troubles

Implies an overwhelming amount of troubles.

teeming with complications

Highlights the abundance of complex complications.

replete with setbacks

Underlines the fullness of obstacles hindering progress.

burdened by adversity

Suggests a heavy load of misfortune or hardship.

suffering from deficiencies

Focuses on the lack of necessary qualities or elements.

compromised by shortcomings

Highlights how limitations have negatively affected something.

FAQs

How can I use "riddled with problems" in a sentence?

You can use "riddled with problems" to describe something that has many issues. For example, "The project was "riddled with problems" from the start."

What are some alternatives to "riddled with problems"?

Alternatives include "fraught with difficulties", "beset by challenges", or "plagued by issues". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "riddled with problems"?

Yes, "riddled with problems" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

What does "riddled with problems" imply?

It implies that something is not just experiencing a few minor issues, but rather has many significant and pervasive problems that affect its overall functionality or success.