when these problems surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when these problems surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the moment or situation when certain issues or difficulties become apparent or noticeable. Example: "We need to have a plan in place when these problems surface to ensure a quick resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

"Lockheed doesn't want to have any of these problems surface after the deal closes".

The New York Times

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

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

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

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

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

When miners' respiratory problems surfaced, they could no longer work and left town.

The New Yorker

Still, when problems surfaced this winter, Mr. Schundler, a nonvoting member of the museum's board, distanced himself even though some advisers urged him to help resolve the emerging conflict between the museum's executive director, Nina S. Jacobs, staff members and the board.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when these problems surface", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or measures should be taken in response.

Common error

Avoid using "when these problems surface" in contexts where the problems are already known and being addressed. This phrase is best suited for discussing potential or newly emerging issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when these problems surface" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the timing of an event. Ludwig examples show its use in news and media to introduce scenarios where issues become apparent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when these problems surface" is a relative clause commonly used in news and media, as highlighted by Ludwig, to introduce a situation where issues become apparent and need to be addressed. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound and versatile, it's crucial to use it in contexts where the problems are indeed emerging, rather than already known. Alternatives such as "when these issues emerge" or "as these problems present themselves" can provide nuanced variations for different writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when these issues emerge

Replaces 'problems' with 'issues' and 'surface' with 'emerge', maintaining similar meaning.

when these difficulties arise

Substitutes 'problems' with 'difficulties' and 'surface' with 'arise', keeping the core meaning intact.

when these concerns come to light

Uses 'concerns' instead of 'problems' and 'come to light' to replace 'surface', focusing on the revelation aspect.

as these problems present themselves

Rephrases the beginning and uses 'present themselves' instead of 'surface', altering sentence structure slightly.

should these problems arise

Uses 'should' to indicate a hypothetical situation and 'arise' in place of 'surface'.

if these problems become apparent

Changes 'when' to 'if' to express a conditional situation and uses 'become apparent' in place of 'surface'.

once these problems are revealed

Replaces 'when' with 'once' and uses 'are revealed' to convey the idea of problems becoming known.

upon the emergence of these problems

Uses a more formal structure with 'upon the emergence of' instead of 'when these surface'.

in the event that these problems arise

Introduces a formal tone with 'in the event that' and uses 'arise' for 'surface'.

when these challenges materialize

Replaces 'problems' with 'challenges' and 'surface' with 'materialize', indicating that issues become real or evident.

FAQs

How can I use "when these problems surface" in a sentence?

You can use "when these problems surface" to introduce a clause that describes a situation where certain issues become apparent. For example: "We need to have a contingency plan ready "when these problems surface" to mitigate any potential damage."

What are some alternatives to saying "when these problems surface"?

Some alternatives include "when these issues emerge", "when these difficulties arise", or "as these problems present themselves".

Is there a more formal way to express "when these problems surface"?

Yes, a more formal alternative is "upon the emergence of these problems".

What's the difference between "when these problems surface" and "if these problems surface"?

"When these problems surface" implies that the problems are expected to occur at some point, whereas "if these problems surface" suggests the occurrence is uncertain.