that seems problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that seems problematic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing concern or highlighting an issue with a particular situation or statement. Example: "The proposed changes to the policy are concerning, as that seems problematic for our current operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But the two provisions appear to be stuck in a loop of circular logic that seems problematic to me.

Huffington Post

That seems problematic for the reasons given above.

SEP

And if we can't differentiate, or if the one implies the other, then that seems problematic indeed.

SEP

And here's the final part of the SPO that seems problematic.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Naturally, some works that seemed problematic in their City Opera showcases remained so in their full productions.

The New York Times - Arts

Lizzie Crocker detailed sections of the book that seem problematic for The Daily Beast and Jessica Grose argues for Slate that we need to stop giving these women a platform.

Huffington Post

I thought to myself, 'Am I really only going to be happy if people are laughing at the jokes I make in an improv class?' because that seemed problematic, too.

Huffington Post

If that seemed problematic, it may have proven beneficial.

The Guardian - Sport

But even that seemed problematic at Ohio State because the defensive coordinator was more than a coordinator.

The New York Times - Sports

There are so many things combining to influence the rhythm and logic of what you write that it seems problematic to single out technology as the over-riding one.

The Guardian - Books

Besides, as to Centeno-Cortes and Jimenez Jimenez (2004), "by repeating pieces of discourse, speakers concentrate on the information that seems to be problematic or crucial" (p. 18).

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that seems problematic" to politely express reservations about a plan, idea, or statement without being overly critical. It's a good way to introduce constructive feedback.

Common error

While useful, "that seems problematic" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "that raises concerns" or "that appears questionable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that seems problematic" functions as an evaluative statement expressing a reservation or concern about a particular situation, idea, or statement. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English to express concern or highlight an issue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that seems problematic" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile expression used to convey concern or doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly frequent, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy in both formal and informal settings. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and explore alternatives such as "that raises concerns" or "that appears questionable" to avoid repetition and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that raises concerns

Highlights that something is causing worry or unease.

that seems dubious

Suggests something is not trustworthy or reliable.

that appears questionable

Suggests something is doubtful or of uncertain validity.

that doesn't sit well with me

Expresses a feeling of discomfort or unease about something.

that presents a challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty or obstacle posed by something.

that gives me pause

Indicates that something is causing hesitation or reflection.

that appears flawed

Indicates the presence of imperfections or weaknesses.

that strikes me as odd

Expresses a feeling that something is strange or unusual.

that looks troublesome

Highlights the potential for problems or difficulties.

that feels off

Expresses an intuitive sense that something is not right.

FAQs

How can I use "that seems problematic" in a sentence?

Use "that seems problematic" to express mild concern or disagreement with a statement or situation. For example, "Implementing this new policy "that seems problematic" given our current resources".

What are some alternatives to saying "that seems problematic"?

You can use alternatives like "that raises concerns", "that appears questionable", or "that presents a challenge" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "that seems problematic" or "that is problematic"?

"That seems problematic" is often more diplomatic, suggesting a perceived issue rather than a definitive problem. "That is problematic" is a stronger statement indicating a clear issue.

What's the difference between "that seems problematic" and "that could be problematic"?

"That seems problematic" expresses a current concern based on available information, while "that could be problematic" indicates a potential future issue. The latter is more hypothetical.