a barrage of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a barrage of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is facing many difficulties or challenges at once. Example: "After the merger, the company faced a barrage of problems, including financial issues and employee dissatisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"There is a barrage of problems and needs," Mr. Osório said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A barrage of health problems have forced Mr. Levine to scale back his conducting and give up the music director's job at the Boston Symphony after this summer.

The New York Times - Arts

Meanwhile Eskom has warned that the blackouts could drag on for months, perhaps even years, as it struggles with a maintenance backlog and a barrage of technical problems at its ageing power stations.

The Economist

42 NEW YORK/REGION 49-57 FoRowlandnd, Uncertainty Amid a Barrage of Questions The problems faced by Gov. John G. Rowland of Connecticut are largely a result of the mistakes he has acknowledged making, but he has very little control over where things go from here.

The New York Times

The so-called "toilet circuit" has long been a breeding ground for new talent, but a barrage of new and existing problems mean that dozens of the UK's best-loved small clubs may soon close their doors – or already have.

The Guardian - Music

Now Ms. Sebelius, the former Kansas governor who is the public face of Mr. Obama's health care overhaul, is facing a barrage of criticism over the problem-plagued rollout of its online insurance exchange.

The New York Times

If you find yourself overwhelmed and burdened by the barrage of problems I've just recounted, imagine living this reality, and imagine being able to do it without encountering moments of sheer desperation that can make you suicidal.

The Guardian - Opinion

And just last week, amid a barrage of stories about Valeant's myriad problems (including my most recent column in the magazine), Moody's lowered its rating on Valeant's thirty-two billiof debtand of debt, and Congress subpoenaed the company's outgoing C.E.O., a former McKinsey consultant named Michael Pearson, to testify about price gouging in the pharmaceutical industry.

The New Yorker

Every day brought a new gaffe or problem and, remarkably, a barrage of new criticism from the right itself.

Vice

Many scholars have already examined the problem and offered up a barrage of plausible explanations.

Huffington Post

Does your job involve a barrage of questions daily?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a barrage of problems", ensure the context clearly indicates multiple, often overwhelming, difficulties. This phrase is effective for emphasizing the sheer number and impact of the problems.

Common error

Avoid using "a barrage of problems" when a simpler description suffices. For instance, instead of saying "They faced a barrage of problems with the new software", consider "They encountered several issues with the new software" if the issues are not particularly overwhelming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a barrage of problems" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, describing a large number of difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a barrage of problems" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe facing numerous difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct and appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and formal writing. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the severity and quantity of the issues at hand. Related phrases like "a multitude of issues" or "a flood of troubles" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in situations where simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of issues

Changes the metaphor from a forceful impact to a large number of difficulties.

a flood of troubles

Replaces "barrage" with "flood", emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the problems.

a series of crises

Highlights the critical nature of the problems, framing them as distinct crises.

a heap of difficulties

Uses a more informal term "heap" to depict a large quantity of problems.

an onslaught of challenges

Replaces "problems" with "challenges", suggesting opportunities for overcoming obstacles despite the difficulties.

a storm of complications

Employs the metaphor of a storm to convey the turbulence and severity of the problems.

a litany of concerns

Presents the problems as a list of anxieties and worries.

a mountain of setbacks

Highlights the obstructive nature of the problems, portraying them as significant impediments.

a cluster of predicaments

Focuses on the entanglement and complexity of the problematic situations.

a wave of adversities

Uses the metaphor of a wave to suggest a series of challenging events or misfortunes.

FAQs

What does "a barrage of problems" mean?

The phrase "a barrage of problems" signifies a large number of difficulties or troubles occurring in quick succession or simultaneously, often creating an overwhelming situation. It suggests that the problems are hitting hard and fast, much like a military barrage.

How can I use "a barrage of problems" in a sentence?

You can use "a barrage of problems" to describe a situation where someone or something is facing numerous issues. For example, "After the merger, the company faced "a barrage of problems", including financial difficulties and employee dissatisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "a barrage of problems"?

Alternatives to "a barrage of problems" include phrases like "a multitude of issues", "a flood of troubles", or "a series of crises". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a barrage of problems" in formal writing?

Yes, "a barrage of problems" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the severity and quantity of the problems. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document. In less formal contexts, phrases like "a heap of difficulties" might be more suitable.