to be problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be problematic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, issue, or behavior that poses difficulties or challenges. Example: "The new policy is likely to be problematic for many employees who rely on flexible working hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rubio's lieutenants proved to be problematic.

The New Yorker

They turn out to be problematic.

The New York Times - Books

Undeniably, it's going to be problematic".

The New York Times

The result is very likely to be problematic.

The New York Times

But in most cases, built-ins tend to be problematic.

The New York Times

Even so, cross-dressed or cross-cast Shakespeare seems more likely to be problematic than enlightening.

The Guardian

The ladder is also said to be problematic because of her "short legs".

The Guardian - Books

This is why it is going to be problematic in developing countries.

The Guardian

But it is the collection that is likely to be problematic.

The Guardian - Arts

The age of incoming high school students also appears to be problematic, the report says.

The New York Times

"I think it very, very unlikely that others will turn out to be problematic," he added.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be problematic" when you want to express that something has the potential to cause issues or difficulties. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "to be problematic" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging", "difficult", or "troublesome" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be problematic" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as causing or likely to cause problems. It is commonly used to express that something presents difficulties or challenges, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be problematic" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes something as likely to cause difficulties or issues. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. It appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussing complex issues and potential challenges. While "to be problematic" is widely accepted, it's essential to be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "challenging" or "difficult" to enhance writing clarity. The phrase signals caution or concern, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become problematic

Emphasizes the process of something turning into a problem over time.

to be troublesome

Highlights the annoyance or difficulty caused by something.

to be questionable

Focuses on the uncertainty or doubtfulness of something rather than explicitly stating it's a problem.

to be intractable

Implies the problem is stubborn and resistant to solutions.

to be tricky

Suggests something requires careful handling or might deceive.

to be thorny

Suggests the problem is complex and involves sensitive issues.

to be complex

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the issue.

to be cumbersome

Indicates something is difficult to handle due to its size or complexity.

to be sensitive

Highlights the need for careful consideration due to potential negative reactions.

to be controversial

Focuses on the disagreement or debate surrounding something.

FAQs

How can I use "to be problematic" in a sentence?

You can use "to be problematic" to describe situations, issues, or behaviors that may cause difficulties. For example, "The new software update is likely "to be problematic" for users with older computers."

What are some alternatives to "to be problematic"?

Alternatives include "to be challenging", "to be difficult", "to be troublesome", or "to be an issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be problematic" or "to prove problematic"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "To be problematic" describes a current state, while "to prove problematic" suggests something has become problematic over time. The best choice depends on the context.

What makes something "to be problematic" rather than simply "difficult"?

While both terms indicate a challenge, "to be problematic" often suggests broader or more systemic issues, potentially impacting multiple areas or people. "Difficult" may refer to a more localized or individual challenge.