THat's the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"That's the problem" is a grammatically correct sentence and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express a specific issue or difficulty in a particular situation. Example: "I've been trying to solve this math equation for hours, but I just can't figure it out." "That's the problem - math has never been my strong suit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If that's the problem, let's fix the problem.

Forbes

And in the Fed's eyes, that's the problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's the problem that OpenBrand's Live Comps feature sets out to solve.

TechCrunch

But that's the problem.

The New York Times

That's the problem, actually.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's the problem," he said.

The New York Times

But that's the problem, Bob.

The New Yorker

That's the problem right there.

The New York Times - Arts

To me, that's the problem.

The New Yorker

Uh, look, that's the problem.

The Economist

That's the problem with this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "That's the problem" to clearly and concisely identify the core issue in a discussion or situation. It's best used when you want to directly point out the main obstacle or source of difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "That's the problem" as a standalone statement in complex situations without further explanation. Provide context and details to clarify why that specific aspect is the problem, ensuring your audience understands the full scope of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "That's the problem" functions as a declarative statement that identifies a specific issue or obstacle. Ludwig shows how this phrase is employed across various contexts to pinpoint the core difficulty in a situation. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis confirming its grammatical correctness and practical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "That's the problem" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to pinpoint a central issue or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, notably in News & Media. The phrase serves to declare and highlight a specific cause of trouble, with a neutral register suitable for both informal and professional settings. While it's crucial for clear communication, overuse without further explanation should be avoided, especially in more complex scenarios. Its semantic alternatives, such as ""that is the issue"" or ""that's where the difficulty lies"", can add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That is the issue

Substitutes "problem" with "issue", maintaining the same meaning with a slightly more formal tone.

That's where the difficulty lies

Replaces "problem" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the location of the difficulty.

That's the root of the matter

Indicates that the identified problem is the fundamental cause of the situation.

That's what's causing the trouble

Focuses on the troublesome aspect of the problem, highlighting its disruptive effect.

That's the crux of the matter

Highlights the most important or decisive point of the problem.

That's the heart of the problem

Emphasizes the central and most critical aspect of the problem.

That explains the difficulty

Suggests that the identified point clarifies why there is a difficulty.

That's the source of our troubles

Identifies the origin of the problems or difficulties being faced.

That is the reason for the problem

Offers a direct explanation for why the problem exists.

The problem stems from that

Inverts the sentence structure to emphasize the origin of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "That's the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "That's the problem" to pinpoint a specific issue. For example, "We're not meeting our sales targets, and "that's the problem": our marketing strategy isn't effective."

What are some alternatives to saying "That's the problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that is the issue", "that's where the difficulty lies", or "that's the root of the matter", each adding a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "That's"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "That's". It is a contraction of "That is" and is commonly used in both spoken and written English.

What's the difference between "That's the problem" and "That's a problem"?

"That's the problem" identifies a specific, central issue. "That's a problem" acknowledges an issue, but might not necessarily define it as the core or only issue. For example, "We're facing several challenges, and "that's a problem", but not the only one."