create a problem vs cause a problem

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Create a problem' is used when someone is intentionally making a problem or issue, while 'cause a problem' is used when something or someone is the reason behind a problem or issue.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 3188 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to intentionally making a problem or issue.

"create a problem"

This phrase is used when someone deliberately makes a problem or issue occur. It implies that the problem was intentionally brought into existence.

Examples:

His careless actions create a problem for the whole team.
I didn't mean to create a problem, but it happened anyway.

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Furthermore, if more than one disaster strikes in any one calendar year, the Fund's upper limit (EUR 1 billion) may also create a problem.
I totally trust the maid, but why create a problem?
And they hadn't done anything because - kind of, like in car business, engineers are there to solve problems, and we were asking them to create a problem.
We have explained to the Chilean authorities that the fact of opening a panel does not necessarily create a political problem or create a problem of diplomatic or other understanding.
I used the FBI to create a problem for Roger.
We create a problem for him and then solve it.
In the framework of modern automated monitoring systems and process control equipment, reporting does not create a problem.
So, essentially they create a problem, and then charge you to fix it.
The Hellenic Republic acknowledged that Greek legislation may create a problem in relation to Regulation No 343/2003 and displayed willingness to take measures in that regard.
The Commission is well aware of the concern that the application of state aid rules may create a problem for the functioning of the German alcohol monopoly.
Does not our liberalisation of the electricity market without ensuring sufficient investment, especially in the grid, create a problem?
These figures show that emissions from large combustion plants create a problem which should be a priority for common, supranational regulation.
It is so... typical of you to create a problem like this... when I finally have a chance to accomplish something!
Any slippage at this point would create a problem: when optimally loaded this lorry holds 33 pallets of food stacked high in the back.
Don't create a problem for us, for manufacturing, for application, then we have to buy new companies, we have to buy our competitors, we have to do all kinds of things because you sold too many widgets.

Alternatives:

make a problem
generate a problem
bring about a problem
initiate a problem
start a problem

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to being the reason behind a problem or issue.

"cause a problem"

This phrase is used when something or someone is the reason behind a problem or issue. It implies that the problem was a result of a particular cause.

Examples:

The heavy rain caused a problem with the roof.
Her absence caused a problem in the schedule.

Show examples from the web [+]

Look, I wasn't trying to cause a problem with the bidding.
An occasional use of acetylsalicylic acid (no more than 1,000 mg in any 24 hour period) should generally not cause a problem, but prolonged use in other circumstances should be discussed with your doctor.
But there is nothing that would cause a problem like this.
In the long run, even unusual weather conditions can cause a problem.
Far be it from me to cause a problem.
I told him he knows to Minimize to have these small disturbances every so often, but it doesn't cause a problem.
With this many of them, the effect on our shields could cause a problem.
Previously, this did not cause a problem as the budget line dedicated for the Chernobyl Shelter Fund (B7-536) was clearly separated from the TACIS envelope.
On the other hand, however, maximum harmonisation would leave no room for diversity and would, therefore, also cause a problem.
Carla, for something to be an issue, it needs to cause a problem.
Specifically, the disappearance of all types of aid on 31 December 2000 is going to cause a problem.
If it ever does cause a problem, it's easy enough to remove.
In reply to the Lisbon Treaty comment from my colleague Liam Aylward, may I say that, yes, inspections did cause a problem.
Fortunately, this is not officially reflected in any way in the documents we are ratifying today, but it will cause a problem for the future.
Although perhaps not likely to cause a problem in practice, it cannot be taken for granted in the formulation of this legislative text that appropriations will always be made available.
We say to the Commission that they must take another good look at the scientific evidence which shows that phosphates do indeed cause a problem, not just in the classical detergents.
And so... I mean, all of this, It doesn't cause a problem in your marriage?
Carbon dioxide is a natural component of the air we breathe and only very intense concentrations at a particular location are ever likely to cause a problem.
This frog doesn't cause a problem.
If, on the contrary, the aid in Germany is not given for such reasons but is simple operating assistance, paid for other reasons, then the application of the state aid rules would cause a problem.

Alternatives:

lead to a problem
result in a problem
bring about a problem
trigger a problem
give rise to a problem

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create a problem vs cause a problem

"create a problem"

"cause a problem"

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