create a problem — cause a problem
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to do something that leads to a difficulty or makes a situation worse for someone or something
Say it like a native
Textbook This will engender significant difficulties for the team.
Native That'll create a problem for the team.
'Engender significant difficulties' is formal; 'create / cause a problem' is the everyday phrase.
Pattern: create a problem (for someone/something)
In use
- Bringing your phone to class can create a problem if it rings during the lesson.daily life
- Some people believe that new technology can create problems in society, such as increased unemployment.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It creates me a problem.
✓ It creates a problem for me.
Don't say 'creates me' — use 'create a problem FOR me'.
Common collocations
create a problem— a serious, more problems, for everyone, a whole new
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'solve a problem', which means to fix or remove a difficulty.