slightly problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly problematic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that has minor complications or concerns. Example: "The proposal has some good ideas, but there are a few aspects that are slightly problematic and need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The demo is slightly problematic in places.

The Guardian - Tech

It's slightly problematic for a range of reasons.

The Guardian

Vanilla is slightly problematic; the 1960s turned it into a sort of hippie cliché.

The New York Times

So the fact that the reloading times in the game are fairly long is slightly problematic.

The Guardian - Tech

In the middle of a firefight, this can be slightly problematic.

The Guardian - Tech

"It is slightly problematic," she jokes now, "because the [film] is going to be screened on the ABC and they're going to want to show it in widescreen.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

27 No gender-specific prevalence was reported, making direct comparisons to our data somewhat problematic; yet our data indicate slightly higher prevalence.

BMJ Open

The tax section is slightly less problematic.

The Washington Post

But another part of the answer may be related to a slightly more problematic question: was there a US interest in the outcome of the Irish referendum?

The Guardian - Opinion

A total solar eclipse captivated the United States this week, but it also did something else slightly more problematic.

Forbes

Although mobile has been a hot area in consumer startups, it has been slightly more problematic at the B2B end, Marcus says.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly problematic", follow it with a clear explanation of what specific aspects are causing concern. This provides context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly problematic" when the issue is truly significant or has far-reaching consequences. Doing so can minimize a serious situation and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly problematic" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something has issues, though not to a severe degree. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation that has minor complications or concerns. Examples show it being used to describe loading times in games, film screenings, and even the definition of a 'supermoon'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly problematic" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations or issues that present minor difficulties or concerns. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a correct and usable phrase for introducing a problem that needs attention without causing undue alarm. As demonstrated by examples from sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and scientific journals, this expression appears in diverse contexts ranging from technology reviews to academic research. Related phrases include "somewhat troublesome" and "a bit concerning". When using "slightly problematic", be sure to clearly explain the specific aspects of concern to provide context and avoid overstating the significance of the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly troublesome

Synonymous replacement maintaining a sense of minor difficulty or concern.

Somewhat troublesome

Replaces "problematic" with "troublesome" and "slightly" with "somewhat", emphasizing the bothersome nature of the issue.

Moderately challenging

Substitutes "problematic" with "challenging" and "slightly" with "moderately", framing the issue as a difficulty to overcome.

A bit concerning

Uses "concerning" instead of "problematic", softening the tone to express worry rather than direct difficulty.

Marginally difficult

Employs "difficult" in place of "problematic", highlighting the degree of effort required to manage the situation.

Somewhat awkward

Replaces "problematic" with "awkward", suggesting a situation is uncomfortable or clumsy but not severely wrong.

A little tricky

Uses "tricky" instead of "problematic", indicating that care and skill are needed to handle the situation.

Mildly complex

Replaces "problematic" with "complex", suggesting that the issue involves many interacting parts that need careful consideration.

A tad thorny

Uses "thorny" to describe a situation with hidden difficulties or sensitivities, instead of directly calling it "problematic".

Somewhat knotty

Replaces problematic with knotty, metaphorically suggesting there are complicated tangles or issues that need untangling.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly problematic" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly problematic" to describe minor issues or concerns that need attention. For example, "The data collection method is "slightly problematic", but we can adjust our analysis to account for it."

What are some alternatives to "slightly problematic"?

Alternatives include "somewhat troublesome", "a bit concerning", or "moderately challenging". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "slightly problematic" or "a bit problematic"?

Both "slightly problematic" and "a bit problematic" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "slightly problematic" and "very problematic"?

"Slightly problematic" indicates a minor issue, while "very problematic" suggests a significant and serious concern. The former requires a minor adjustment, the latter calls for considerable intervention.