to become a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to become a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or issue that is starting to cause difficulties or concerns. Example: "If we don't address the budget cuts soon, they are likely to become a problem for our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

e360: When did this start to become a problem?

Yale University

With triple-A rated assets, that had not been expected to become a problem.

The Economist

"It only started to become a problem when we got so busy," she said.

The New York Times

The leverage they have put on companies will probably start to become a problem.

The New York Times

"They will not sit here and wait for this to become a problem," he said.

The New York Times

She added: "It is going to become a problem once enough publicity is given to it".

The New York Times

But today, the number of unvaccinated children has begun to become a problem, Schuchat said.

The Washington Post

And what evidence is there that consumers are wrong and inflation is about to become a problem?

The New York Times

"No one wants to put something in the ground that is going to become a problem later on".

The New York Times

Van Gundy does not expect Johnson's role, even if it involves minimal playing time, to become a problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The 99-1 roll-call vote in favor of the deal sent a strong message that Congress intends to become a problem-solving institution once again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to become a problem" when indicating that a situation is transitioning from a neutral state to one that causes difficulties or requires attention. For emphasis, consider adding adverbs like "increasingly" or "potentially" before the phrase.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences such that the problem's origin is unclear. Instead of stating "it is likely to become a problem", specify who or what is affected: "The budget cuts are likely to become a problem for our project timeline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to become a problem" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a larger verb construction. It indicates a future state or a process of transformation where a situation or issue transitions into a problematic one, aligning with Ludwig AI’s observation of its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to become a problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the emergence of a difficulty or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It is versatile enough to be used across various contexts, including news, academic, and business settings, with a neutral level of formality. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is affected by the problem. Alternatives such as "to turn into an issue" or "to develop into a concern" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to turn into an issue

Emphasizes the transformation of a situation into a recognized problem.

to escalate into a difficulty

Highlights the increasing severity of the situation.

to develop into a concern

Focuses on the growing worry or anxiety associated with a situation.

to pose a challenge

Indicates that something is presenting an obstacle or difficulty.

to start causing trouble

Suggests the initiation of problematic events or circumstances.

to give rise to difficulties

Focuses on the act of creating problems.

to present an obstacle

Highlights the obstructive nature of the emerging issue.

to prove problematic

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating that something is difficult.

to be a recipe for disaster

Suggests that the action is highly likely to lead to negative outcomes.

to spell trouble

Implies the incoming of problems for someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "to become a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "to become a problem" to describe a situation that is starting to cause difficulties or concerns. For example, "If we don't address the budget cuts soon, they are likely "to become a problem" for our project timeline."

What can I say instead of "to become a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "to turn into an issue", "to escalate into a difficulty", or "to develop into a concern" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to become a problem"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that something is evolving into a state where it causes difficulties or needs to be addressed. The issue wasn't previously considered as a problem.

How formal is the phrase "to become a problem"?

The phrase ""to become a problem"" is suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from neutral news reports to professional business communications. It is generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings, though more formal alternatives may exist for specific scenarios.