a cascade of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a cascade of problems' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a series of problems that have an accumulative effect. For example, "The pandemic has caused a cascade of problems, from economic crisis to mental health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The financial woes have created a cascade of problems.

The New York Times

Alas, as with any quick fix, the deals have set off a cascade of problems.

The New York Times

A cascade of problems followed: extreme pain, delirium, deep bedsores, a colostomy, extended stays in hospitals and nursing homes.

The New York Times

The rise of dual-earner families and the increase in the number of single-parent households means that one unpredicted schedule change causes a cascade of problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other governments, like France, share the E.C.B.'s worries that too harsh a solution could lead to a cascade of problems that would destabilize the euro zone.

The New York Times

In the wrong hands they can lead to a cascade of problems, like ruined credit and, in turn, challenges for military personnel in getting security clearances or promotions.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The multiscale problem is solved by a cascade of 2-scales probleach each of which is solved with a few elements for an imposed contact area, deriving load as a function of indentation and the conductance by differentiation using Barber's analogy theorem.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

More people can lead to overfishing in reef areas, which can cause a cascade of ecological problems.

The New York Times - Science

Without that assistance, her daughter and grandson would have likely run into a cascade of health problems in the years ahead.

The New York Times

"Alcohol and drug use starts a cascade of worse problems," said Dr. McCormick, the task force member, who recently retired as director of mental health for the state veterans affairs system in Ohio.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — As the scale of Japan's nuclear crisis begins to come to light, experts in Japan and the United States say the country is now facing a cascade of accumulating problems that suggest that radioactive releases of steam from the crippled plants could go on for weeks or even months.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cascade of problems" to effectively illustrate how one issue can lead to a series of others, creating a compounding effect. This phrase is particularly impactful when describing complex situations with interconnected challenges.

Common error

While "a cascade of problems" is appropriate for significant and linked issues, avoid using it for minor or isolated incidents. Overusing such dramatic language can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cascade of problems" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a situation where one problem leads to a series of subsequent, interconnected issues. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers real-world usage examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cascade of problems" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe a series of interconnected issues stemming from a single cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although leaning towards a more emphatic tone. Its usage is widespread across diverse domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, make sure to apply it to situations where issues are genuinely linked and compounding, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "a series of unfortunate events" or "a chain reaction of setbacks" can offer subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wave of predicaments

Emphasizes the overwhelming and unavoidable nature of 'predicaments'.

a multitude of complications

Focuses on the numerous and complex nature of 'complications'.

a snowballing crisis

Highlights that one 'crisis' becomes bigger and bigger as it goes on.

a compounding set of challenges

Emphasizes the increasing severity and accumulation of 'challenges'.

a succession of difficulties

More formal and neutral, emphasizing 'difficulties' in a chronological order.

a ripple effect of issues

Focuses on the spreading and consequential nature of 'issues'.

a sequence of troubles

A more straightforward and less dramatic alternative using 'troubles'.

a domino effect of crises

Stresses a successive and unstoppable nature of events that are considered 'crises'.

a chain reaction of setbacks

Highlights the cause-and-effect nature and focuses on 'setbacks'.

a series of unfortunate events

Emphasizes misfortune and storytelling aspect compared to general 'problems'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cascade of problems" to describe a situation where one issue triggers a series of subsequent difficulties. For example, "The company's financial mismanagement led to "a cascade of problems", including layoffs and project cancellations."

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

Alternatives include "a series of unfortunate events", "a chain reaction of setbacks", or "a domino effect of crises". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a cascade of problems"?

It's appropriate when one issue directly causes several other issues in a connected sequence. This phrase implies a significant and interconnected set of negative consequences.

Is "a cascade of problems" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards a more dramatic or emphatic register. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and general discourse.