to prove problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

"to prove problematic" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to cause difficulty, confusion, or disagreement. For example: “The issue of universal health care continues to prove problematic for many countries.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But that is likely to prove problematic, according to diplomats and analysts.

The New York Times

Proposals to move to a partially or fully elected House of Lords are to be produced by December but this is likely to prove problematic.

The Guardian

Making inroads in Europe might continue to prove problematic for Celtic but their relentless approach to domestic competitions is worthy of high praise.

The Guardian - Sport

It is thought promotion of the next film in the franchise is likely to prove problematic, given the movie's focus on spectacular car stunts.

Independent

This growing market is achieving an aggregate mass that is starting to prove problematic for publishers, new bookstores and secondhand bookstores.

The New York Times

Certainly, given the scheduling issues that are certain to prove problematic in the men's game next year, it would be no surprise at all if women embrace the Rio scenario more warmly.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

These splits are remarkably close to each other and would prove problematic to resolve even from recent species.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

However, the introduction of such bleeding-edge technology to the elderly may prove problematic because the users can have problems learning to use it.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Perhaps systemically inhibiting TOR may prove problematic to cellular functions including secretory protein autophagy and to organs including skeletal muscle [ 110].

Aging

Depending on the work you want to make, this could prove problematic.

The Guardian

This very limited responsiveness to wholesale price signals may prove problematic in light of policy decisions to pursue an "energy only" resource adequacy mechanism for ERCOT.

Energy Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to prove problematic", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is causing the difficulty. Clarity in subject-verb agreement enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "to prove problematic" in very simple sentences where a more direct word like "difficult" or "challenging" would suffice. Opt for simpler vocabulary to maintain conciseness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to prove problematic" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, indicating that something is demonstrating itself to be difficult or troublesome. It is used to describe situations or issues that are emerging as problematic.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to prove problematic" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe something that is emerging as difficult or troublesome. Ludwig confirms its general meaning encompasses causing difficulty, confusion, or disagreement. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds its usage primarily in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. When incorporating this phrase into writing, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is causing the difficulty and consider whether simpler alternatives might be more suitable for concise communication. Use of the phrase in overly simple sentences is something to avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to pose a problem

A more direct way of saying something will cause trouble.

to create difficulties

Replaces 'problematic' with 'difficulties', highlighting the creation of obstacles.

to present challenges

Changes the verb from 'prove' to 'present', emphasizing the act of posing challenges rather than the outcome of being problematic.

to become troublesome

Shifts the focus to the evolving nature of the issue, suggesting it's becoming a source of trouble.

to be a source of difficulty

Focuses on the origin of the difficulty.

to give rise to issues

Emphasizes the generation of problems or concerns.

to engender complications

Uses more formal language to suggest the creation of complex problems.

to raise concerns

Highlights that the issue is creating worry or unease.

to potentially backfire

Suggests a negative consequence is likely.

to be fraught with difficulty

Emphasizes the high level of difficulty involved.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to prove problematic" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "to engender complications" or "to give rise to issues" instead of "to prove problematic".

What's a simpler alternative to "to prove problematic"?

If you're aiming for simplicity, you can replace "to prove problematic" with phrases like "to pose a problem" or "to be difficult".

Is it always appropriate to use "to prove problematic" in academic writing?

While acceptable, in academic writing, be mindful of overuse. Sometimes, more specific language detailing the exact nature of the problem can be more effective than "to prove problematic".

How does "to prove problematic" differ from "to become troublesome"?

"To prove problematic" suggests an inherent difficulty or challenge is revealed, whereas "to become troublesome" implies that something is evolving into a source of difficulty over time.