this will cause problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this will cause problems' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that a certain situation or action has the potential to create difficulties or complications. For example: "With the rise in unemployment, this will cause problems for the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

NOTE: This will cause problems in the index.

Yale University

This will cause problems with non-Cygwin tools like javac that do not understand /cygdrive/c.

University of California, Berkeley

Maybe they are worried that their photos or real names might be published, and that this will cause problems if they want to go home.

The Guardian

Perhaps not enough to appear in photographs against other variables, such as daily tides, but over time scientists agree this will cause problems with coastal housing and infrastructure.

The Guardian

"If the channel stays open for longer, this will cause problems not only for the children but also for the parents trying to get them to go to bed".

The Guardian

This will cause problems because additional resources will be diverted to ensure he is protected". The POA said the attack, which took place on Monday afternoon, exposed a growing problem in UK prisons.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Few of this group will cause problems to themselves or others.

The Guardian - Opinion

With his models, "you can tell early on whether this drug will cause problems in humans," he asserts.

Forbes

So the region has been through an area code split before, and some people don't think this one will cause problems.

Los Angeles Times

If they pick up this season where they left off the last - doing the double over Stade Francais to secure the last European Rugby Champions Cup spot - this maturing team will cause problems for others in all competitions.

BBC

"If they pick up this season where they left off the last - doing the double over Stade Francais to secure the last European Rugby Champions Cup spot - this maturing team will cause problems for others in all competitions". a club-record £10m move to Hull City, the Uruguyan ends it by netting in his nation's 2-0 win against Japan.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this will cause problems", ensure the connection between the action and the resulting problems is clear to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about the nature of the problems to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "this will cause problems" when the potential consequences are minor or easily resolved. Choose a less dramatic phrase if the situation doesn't warrant a strong warning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this will cause problems" functions as a causal connector, indicating that a preceding or implied action will result in negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound way to introduce potential difficulties.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

24%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this will cause problems" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a particular action or situation is likely to lead to negative consequences. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a widely used phrase across diverse sources, from news media and academic research to wikis. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring that the severity of the warning aligns with the potential impact. Remember to clearly articulate the connection between the action and the resulting problems for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this may lead to difficulties

Replaces "cause problems" with a more formal expression, "lead to difficulties", softening the impact.

this spells trouble

Uses a more concise and idiomatic expression, "spells trouble", for emphasis.

this could create complications

Substitutes "problems" with "complications", suggesting a more intricate or complex issue.

this might generate issues

Uses "generate issues" instead of "cause problems", implying a less severe outcome.

this foreshadows difficulties

Replaces "cause problems" with "foreshadows difficulties", adding a sense of foreboding.

this is likely to provoke challenges

Replaces "cause problems" with "provoke challenges", framing the consequence as something to overcome.

this will present obstacles

Replaces "cause problems" with "present obstacles", focusing on impediments to progress.

this poses a risk of setbacks

Replaces "cause problems" with "poses a risk of setbacks", emphasizing potential delays or failures.

this has the potential for snags

Substitutes "problems" with the more informal term "snags", reducing the seriousness.

this will engender predicaments

Substitutes "problems" with the more formal term "predicaments", highlighting a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this will cause problems" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "this may lead to difficulties", "this could create complications", or "this presents a risk of setbacks" depending on the specific context.

What are some less severe alternatives to "this will cause problems"?

Consider using phrases like "this might generate issues" or "this has the potential for snags" when the potential consequences are not overly serious.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "this will cause problems"?

The phrase "this will cause problems" is suitable when you want to clearly warn about potential negative consequences arising from a particular action, decision, or situation. It's best used when the anticipated issues are significant enough to warrant attention.

Is there a more idiomatic way to say "this will cause problems"?

Yes, you can use the idiomatic expression "this spells trouble" for a more concise and impactful way to convey that something will likely lead to difficulties.