this is problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is problematic" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express a concern or difficulty with something. For example, if a student is struggling with a difficult assignment, they might say to their teacher, "I'm having trouble understanding this question. Can you help me? It seems very problematic to me." This phrase can also be used to express a larger issue or concern, such as in a news article discussing a controversial political decision: "This decision by the government is highly problematic and has sparked debate among the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, this is problematic.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even this is problematic.

The New York Times

This is problematic for us".

The New York Times

"Gee, this is problematic," Shiffrin told him.

The New Yorker

However, this is problematic for two reasons.

The Economist

You can see how this is problematic.

The Guardian - Music

This is problematic for two reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is problematic for the drag community.

The Guardian - Tech

"This is problematic in trying to create business relationships".

The New York Times

Besides being utterly impractical, I think this is problematic for several reasons.

The Guardian

This is problematic because nonfiction books are perfect for teaching both skills and knowledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is problematic" to clearly and directly express concerns about a situation or issue. This phrase is suitable when you need to highlight a specific problem that needs attention or resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "this is problematic" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more relaxed phrasing like "this is tricky" or "this could be an issue" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Predicative adjective. "This is problematic" functions as a statement where "problematic" describes the subject, "this". It indicates that something is causing difficulties or issues, as Ludwig confirms with its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is problematic" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight concerns or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide application across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While appropriate in neutral to formal settings, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in very informal situations. Alternative phrases such as "this raises concerns" or "this presents a challenge" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this raises concerns

Highlights the concerns arising from the situation instead of directly stating the problem.

this gives rise to issues

Highlights the creation of new issues due to the situation.

this presents a challenge

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the situation rather than explicitly labeling it as problematic.

this poses difficulties

Shifts the focus to the difficulties created by the situation.

this is a cause for concern

Emphasizes the reason for worry, using a more formal tone.

this has its drawbacks

Acknowledges the negative aspects or disadvantages of the situation.

this is not ideal

Understates the issue, suggesting it's less than perfect without being overly negative.

this is less than satisfactory

Indicates a level of dissatisfaction, softening the criticism.

this warrants further attention

Suggests the need for more scrutiny or investigation because of potential problems.

this leaves something to be desired

Expresses that the situation is lacking in some aspect, indicating a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "this is problematic" in a sentence?

You can use "this is problematic" to express concern about something that presents a challenge or issue. For example, "The lack of funding for this project "this is problematic" as we won't be able to complete it on time."

What are some alternatives to saying "this is problematic"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this raises concerns", "this presents a challenge", or "this is not ideal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this is problematic"?

Yes, the phrase "this is problematic" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate a problem or issue.

What's the difference between "this is problematic" and "this is troublesome"?

"This is problematic" generally refers to a situation causing difficulties or issues, whereas "this is troublesome" suggests something that is causing annoyance or inconvenience. The former is often used in more formal contexts.