a bigger problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bigger problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the size or significance of issues, indicating that one problem is more serious or larger than another. Example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, the lack of communication within the team is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Politicians are a bigger problem.

The Economist

Bureaucracy is a bigger problem.

The Economist

A bigger problem is ownership.

The Economist

But there's a bigger problem.

The New York Times

Maybe a bigger problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

A bigger problem may be blandness.

The Economist

A bigger problem, though, is the government.

The Economist

A bigger problem is institutional inertia.

The Economist

There is a bigger problem here.

The New York Times

The blackometer was a bigger problem.

The New York Times

But a bigger problem is multiple ownership.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bigger problem", ensure the context provides a clear comparison point, so the reader understands what the problem is being compared to.

Common error

Avoid using "a bigger problem" when the issues are entirely unrelated or not comparable. This can lead to confusion and weaken your argument. For example, don't say "The weather is nice, but finding a job is a bigger problem" if weather has no direct impact on job search.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bigger problem" functions as a comparative adjective phrase modifying a noun. It's used to highlight the relative significance of one issue over another. This phrase is often used to emphasize the need to address the more pressing concern, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bigger problem" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the greater significance of one issue over another. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. The phrase effectively prioritizes concerns and focuses attention, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication. Remember to maintain clarity by ensuring a direct comparison point and avoiding misuse in unrelated contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more significant issue

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the problem.

a greater concern

Highlights the level of worry or anxiety associated with the problem.

a larger challenge

Focuses on the difficulty or complexity of the problem.

a more pressing matter

Stresses the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a graver situation

Indicates a severe or critical state of affairs.

a more serious difficulty

Highlights the gravity and potential consequences of the problem.

a principal obstacle

Identifies the problem as a key barrier or impediment.

a fundamental problem

Suggests the problem is deep-rooted and essential to address.

a primary concern

Emphasizes that the problem is a top priority.

a chief issue

Focuses on the problem as the main point of contention or discussion.

FAQs

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

Use "a bigger problem" to emphasize that one issue is more significant or severe than another. For instance, "While the small budget cuts are concerning, the lack of communication is "a bigger problem" that needs addressing."

What's a good alternative to "a bigger problem"?

Alternatives include "a more significant issue", "a greater concern", or "a larger challenge" depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a biggest problem" instead of "a bigger problem"?

No, "a biggest problem" is grammatically incorrect. You should use "the biggest problem" or "a bigger problem" to compare two issues or to indicate the most significant issue overall, respectively.

How does "a bigger problem" differ from "the biggest problem"?

"A bigger problem" implies a comparison between two specific issues, while "the biggest problem" indicates the most significant issue among all possible problems. For example, "Lack of funding is a problem, but poor management is "a bigger problem"." versus "The biggest problem facing the company is declining sales."