A genuine problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A genuine problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an issue that is real and significant, often in discussions about challenges or difficulties. Example: "The team identified a genuine problem with the software that needed immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This remains a genuine problem.

The Economist

This is a genuine problem.

The Economist

But public finance is a genuine problem.

The Economist

Is this a genuine problem?

MIT Technology Review

That's also a genuine problem.

The New York Times

After all, it's a genuine problem already.

Independent

And indeed this might be a genuine problem.

Independent

Geography presents a genuine problem for the Democrats.

The Washington Post

Scalping is a genuine problem, especially with wildly popular shows.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And it is targeting a genuine problem a badly gummed-up part of the mortgage market.

The Economist

Germany is finalising a plan to house its banks' colossal hoard of toxic assets.Here the EU has identified a genuine problem the system for supervising cross-border banks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "genuine problem", follow up with specific details or evidence to support the claim. This adds credibility and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a genuine problem" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for issues with real impact to maintain credibility and avoid trivializing serious concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a genuine problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and labels a situation or issue as being authentic and consequential, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a genuine problem" is a commonly used phrase to denote an issue that is real, significant, and requires attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts from formal academic discussions to news reports. The phrase's neutral tone makes it suitable for professional communication, while its frequent appearance in news and media underscores its widespread recognition. When using this phrase, be sure to provide supporting evidence to enhance credibility and avoid overusing it for trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A legitimate concern

Focuses on the validity of the worry or issue.

A real challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to overcome the issue.

A serious issue

Highlights the severity and potential consequences of the matter.

A pressing matter

Indicates the urgency and need for immediate action.

A significant difficulty

Underscores the magnitude and impact of the obstacle.

A valid predicament

Suggests a troublesome situation with justifiable grounds.

An authentic dilemma

Highlights the true and complex nature of the situation.

A true hardship

Focuses on the suffering or difficulty experienced.

A factual snag

Denotes a practical, real-world impediment.

A substantive hitch

Emphasizes the material and considerable nature of the issue.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce "a genuine problem" in my writing?

Start by providing context to highlight the significance of the issue. You can follow up with specific examples or data to support your claim and emphasize why it warrants attention.

What are some alternatives to saying "a genuine problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a legitimate concern", "a serious issue", or "a real challenge". Each offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "a genuine problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "a genuine problem" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to clearly and directly address a significant issue. Just ensure your subsequent discussion offers substance and support for this claim.

What makes something qualify as "a genuine problem" and not just a minor inconvenience?

A "genuine problem" typically involves significant consequences, widespread impact, or substantial obstacles that require attention and resources to resolve. Minor inconveniences, by contrast, are usually easily managed and have limited impact.