a bigger conundrum

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bigger conundrum" is a perfectly valid phrase and is often used in written English.
It is used to describe a difficult problem that is larger or more complex than usual. For example, "The court's decision created a bigger conundrum for international trade agreements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

France presents a bigger conundrum.

The Economist

Instead, like Twin Peaks, with which it shares some marked similarities, Fortitude's murder feels more like the entry point into a bigger conundrum: what precisely is the deal with this strange place?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That poses a big conundrum to the world: the most important nation in drugs policy is in defiance of the treaty it was responsible for".

The Guardian

"It's a big conundrum to predict who will benefit from these treatments," Herbst says.

Science Magazine

But she did anticipate a big conundrum that comes with a #MeToo movement in full swing.

Vice

Russia, again resurgent after the fall of the Soviet Union, is a big conundrum for NATO.

Huffington Post

Siber explained that there is a big conundrum taking place in the U.S. mobile and wireless ecosystem.

Huffington Post

The revolution without rotation model could resolve a big conundrum troubling the past 35 years of painstaking investigation of the mechanism of these DNA packaging motors.

ACS Nano

Landscape and nature are an even bigger conundrum for the show's curators.

The Guardian - Arts

The bigger conundrum is how to arrange for a medical visa for a country that has removed its diplomatic presence from Iran.

The Guardian

The French, for their part, are getting round the problem by blithely ignoring the pact.A much bigger conundrum for Germany, however, is to find a new way for an expanding European Union to function.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bigger conundrum", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial, smaller conundrum to which it's being compared. This provides a clearer sense of scale and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a bigger conundrum" for problems that are merely inconvenient or mildly challenging. Reserve it for genuinely complex issues that defy easy solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bigger conundrum" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a problem or puzzle that is more significant or complex than another, previously mentioned issue. Ludwig provides examples of how it frames challenges in various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bigger conundrum" is a valid and frequently used phrase to describe a significantly complex problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its usage spans various authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist. The phrase is often used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to emphasize increased difficulty compared to other issues. When writing, remember to use it when you want to denote significant complexity and to compare that complexity to another known issue. Alternatives include "a more complex problem" or "a larger issue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A more complex problem

Focuses on the intricate nature of the problem.

A more significant challenge

Emphasizes the importance and difficulty of the challenge.

A more intricate puzzle

Emphasizes the detailed and complex nature of the problem.

A greater difficulty

Highlights the increased level of hardship or obstacle.

A more substantial predicament

Indicates a more serious and challenging situation.

A larger issue

Indicates a broader scope and impact of the issue.

A more formidable obstacle

Highlights the difficulty in overcoming the obstacle.

A more perplexing question

Focuses on the confusing and baffling nature of the question.

A more demanding task

Emphasizes the effort and skill required for the task.

A deeper mystery

Suggests a more profound and puzzling enigma.

FAQs

How can I use "a bigger conundrum" in a sentence?

You can use "a bigger conundrum" to describe a more complex or challenging problem compared to a previous one. For example, "The initial budget shortfall was problematic, but the unexpected tax increase created "a bigger conundrum" for the finance department."

What phrases are similar to "a bigger conundrum"?

Similar phrases include "a more complex problem", "a greater difficulty", or "a larger issue", which all suggest a significant challenge or puzzle.

Is it ever appropriate to use "big conundrum" instead of "bigger conundrum"?

Yes, "big conundrum" is acceptable and often used. "Big conundrum" simply refers to a significant problem or puzzle, while "bigger conundrum" implies the problem is larger compared to something else.

What's the difference between "a bigger conundrum" and "a minor conundrum"?

"A bigger conundrum" signifies a problem of considerable complexity and significance, whereas "a minor conundrum" refers to a smaller, less significant puzzle or issue.