when a problem surfaces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when a problem surfaces" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the moment or situation when an issue or difficulty becomes apparent or noticeable. Example: "The team must be prepared to address any challenges when a problem surfaces during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Also, when a problem surfaces within our companies the focus turns on how to fix things and make sure it doesn't happen again.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A problem surfaced: when the screen extended all the way to the floor, spotlights on the players made it difficult to see the images, and when the screen was raised it looked too much like background scenery, rather than a book from which the singers were materializing.

The New Yorker

On Thursday, the exchange did not immediately notify the S.E.C. when the problem surfaced, the people briefed on the matter said.

The New York Times

But, when the problems surfaced, a senior member of staff at Musgrove Park appeared to concede that the hospital would be liable for any payments.

The Guardian

But it raises this question: Why did city officials not push harder for answers when the problems surfaced?

The New York Times

Dean Acosta, who was deputy assistant administrator for public affairs at the agency when the problems surfaced, sharply attacked the credibility of the report.

The New York Times - Science

The collapse of MF Global shows how easy it is to obscure risky investments and the pitfalls that can occur when those problems surface.

The New York Times

According to White Collar Watch, the collapse of MF Global shows how easy it is to obscure risky investments and the pitfalls that can occur when those problems surface.

The New York Times

MLP units can be bought or sold with relative ease, which distinguishes MLPs from their early ancestors dating back to the 1980s when many problems surfaced with limited partnerships.

Forbes

Often times, when these problems surface, we immediately express our frustration, we vent to anyone or anything willing to listen.

Huffington Post

The problem surfaces when Doctors order unnecessary drugs or even do surgery when not even necessary but just to gain profits.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when a problem surfaces" to introduce a discussion or action plan regarding an issue that has just become noticeable. It's useful for setting the stage for problem-solving or preventative measures.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the actor addressing the problem is unclear. Instead of saying "when a problem surfaces, action must be taken", specify who should take action: "when a problem surfaces, the team should immediately assess it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when a problem surfaces" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating the timing or condition under which a particular action or situation occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when a problem surfaces" is a versatile phrase used to denote the moment an issue becomes noticeable, prompting subsequent actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral in tone, it's adaptable to various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. The phrase functions as an adverbial clause of time, setting the stage for discussions about problem-solving or preventive measures. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify who is responsible for addressing the problem. Alternatives include "when an issue arises" or "as problems come to light", offering slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when an issue arises

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "surfaces" with "arises", offering a slightly more formal tone.

when a difficulty emerges

Substitutes "problem" with "difficulty" and "surfaces" with "emerges", suggesting a gradual unveiling of the problem.

as problems come to light

Uses "come to light" instead of "surfaces", emphasizing the revealing of previously hidden problems.

if a problem becomes apparent

Replaces "when" with "if" and "surfaces" with "becomes apparent", indicating a conditional emergence of a problem.

should a problem present itself

A more formal and hypothetical alternative, using "present itself" in place of "surfaces".

when a challenge emerges

Similar to "when a difficulty emerges", but uses "challenge" for a more proactive connotation.

upon the emergence of a problem

A more formal restructuring, emphasizing the moment the problem appears.

when a snag develops

Uses "snag" for a less severe problem and "develops" for its manifestation.

when an obstacle arises

Substitutes "problem" with "obstacle", framing it as something to overcome.

as soon as an issue comes up

Uses "as soon as" for immediacy and "comes up" for a more casual surfacing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when a problem surfaces" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "upon the emergence of an issue", "should a difficulty present itself", or "when a challenge arises".

Is it always necessary to specify who is responsible "when a problem surfaces"?

While not always grammatically required, clarifying who is responsible for addressing the problem enhances clarity and accountability. For example, instead of ""when a problem surfaces", action must be taken", specify ""when a problem surfaces", the manager should notify the team".

What's a less formal way to say ""when a problem surfaces""?

In informal contexts, you could say "when something goes wrong", "when an issue comes up", or "when things get hairy".

What are some alternatives to the word "problem" in the phrase ""when a problem surfaces""?

You can substitute "problem" with words like "issue", "difficulty", "challenge", "snag", or "obstacle" to vary the phrasing.