was riddled with problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was riddled with problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when something has a lot of issues or difficulties and there is no quick or easy solution. For example, "The project was plagued with delays and was riddled with problems from the start - it quickly became clear that it was doomed to failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Clearly, the African sting case was riddled with problems.

The New York Times

As I revealed in "Mamalita," my daughter's adoption was riddled with problems from beginning to end.

The New York Times

The effort was "riddled with problems as it's getting underway," USA Today reported.

The New York Times

The trial, which lasted over a decade and cost the government $31 million, was riddled with problems, critics say.

The New York Times

The watchdog issued a report that found the program was riddled with problems and instances of serious abuse.

Independent

"Even they have acknowledged that their first proposal was riddled with problems," said Brad Smith, associate general counsel of Microsoft.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There is little doubt that PNG is riddled with problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Four years ago, both parties' caucuses were riddled with problems before, during and after the vote.

The New York Times

They are retail dinosaurs, locked into a system that's riddled with problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Besides, the whole notion of including happiness in public policy discussions is riddled with problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

New York's taxi industry has been riddled with problems for as long as anyone can remember.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was riddled with problems", ensure the subject is clearly defined, and if possible, briefly mention the nature of the problems to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "was riddled with problems" without specifying what 'it' refers to or what those problems are. Being specific makes your writing more impactful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was riddled with problems" functions as a descriptive predicate, modifying a subject by indicating that it was extensively affected by difficulties or issues. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is a grammatically sound way to convey that something had many issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was riddled with problems" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something significantly affected by difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is prevalent in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources, and while its register is primarily neutral, it can also appear in professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both the subject and the nature of the problems. Alternatives such as ""was plagued by issues"" or ""was beset with difficulties"" can offer slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was plagued by issues

Emphasizes a persistent negative impact from numerous issues, somewhat more forceful.

was beset with difficulties

Highlights challenges and hardships that affected something, less common.

was fraught with complications

Focuses on the complexity and intricacy of the issues involved.

was full of defects

Highlights the imperfections and faults present.

was marked by failures

Underscores the presence of numerous unsuccessful outcomes.

was impaired by flaws

Suggests that flaws reduced the effectiveness or quality.

suffered from shortcomings

Focuses on the deficiencies and inadequacies present.

had many setbacks

Highlights delays or reversals in progress due to issues.

encountered various snags

Emphasizes unexpected obstacles or difficulties.

was undermined by weaknesses

Suggests that weaknesses diminished the strength or effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "was riddled with problems" in a sentence?

You can use "was riddled with problems" to describe a situation, project, or system that had many issues. For instance, "The initial plan "was riddled with problems", requiring a complete overhaul".

What are some alternatives to "was riddled with problems"?

Some alternatives include "was plagued by issues", "was beset with difficulties", or "was fraught with complications", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was riddled with problems"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "was riddled with problems" and "had a few problems"?

"Was riddled with problems" implies a significant number and severity of issues, whereas "had a few problems" suggests only a small number of relatively minor issues.