The main problem is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The main problem is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a key issue or challenge that needs to be addressed in a discussion or analysis. Example: "The main problem is that we are facing a significant budget shortfall this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The main problem is noise.

The New York Times

"The main problem is impunity," he said.

The New York Times

The main problem is the label "left".

The New York Times

The main problem is loopy incentives.

The Economist

The main problem is a political one.

The New Yorker

The main problem is insecurity.

The New York Times

"The main problem is water.

The Guardian

The main problem is intonation.

The New York Times

The main problem is the writing.

The Guardian - Film

The main problem is the Labour Party.

The New Yorker

The main problem is a family problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the main problem is", clearly and concisely state the problem immediately after the phrase to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the main problem is" without providing specific details or context. General statements can weaken your argument and leave the reader unclear about the actual issue.

Linguistic Context

The main problem is functions as an identifying expression, introducing the principal issue or challenge being discussed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts. It acts as a signal to the reader or listener that what follows is the most significant difficulty to be addressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main problem is" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce the central issue or challenge in a discussion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business, and maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly state the problem and avoid overgeneralizations to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The primary concern is

Highlights the most important cause for worry.

The root cause is

Highlights the fundamental origin of the problem.

The heart of the problem is

Emphasizes the emotional core of the issue.

The biggest obstacle is

Highlights the largest impediment to progress.

The fundamental challenge lies in

Emphasizes the difficulty and basic nature of the problem.

A key difficulty is

Indicates a significant obstacle.

The major stumbling block is

Indicates a major impediment to success.

The core issue revolves around

Changes the focus to the central point of contention.

The crux of the matter is

Pinpoints the decisive point.

The central question is

Focuses on the most important question to be answered.

FAQs

How can I use "the main problem is" in a sentence?

Use "the main problem is" to introduce the primary issue or challenge you are addressing. For example, "The main problem is that we lack sufficient funding for the project".

What phrases are similar to "the main problem is"?

You can use alternatives like "the primary issue is", "the central concern is", or "the key difficulty is" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the main problem is" or "a main problem is"?

Using "the main problem is" suggests that there is one overarching issue. "A main problem is" indicates that it is one of several significant issues.

When should I avoid using "the main problem is"?

Consider avoiding "the main problem is" when discussing complex issues with multiple interconnected factors. In such cases, it might be more accurate to acknowledge several contributing problems.