a characteristic problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a characteristic problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem that is typical or distinctive of a particular situation, group, or phenomenon. Example: "The study revealed a characteristic problem in urban areas, where traffic congestion is a common issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Compatibility and equilibrium conditions at the interfaces of the layers, with isotropic or orthotropic properties, are rigorously satisfied through defining a characteristic problem.

Composite Structures

The solution of such a characteristic problem yields to a set of spectral basis functions through which one may obtain a clear insight to the modes governing the displacement field.

Composite Structures

In that way, even the remotest deme was involved in what happened in the city; Cleisthenes' solution can thus be seen in its political aspect as an attempt to deal with a characteristic problem of ancient states, which were mostly agriculturally based.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, here we encounter a characteristic problem: futures studies are in many fields controversial, divergent or even contradictory with respect to their results, and contested [3] (Table 1).

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In Sects.  2 and  3 we state a characteristic model problem, a Signorini-type initial-boundary value problem, deduce its formulation as variational inequality, and specify the considered class of time and space discretisations.

Foundations of Computational Mathematics

On the other hand, de Jong and van Joolingen (1998) identify a number of characteristic problems that learners may encounter in discovery learning with computer simulations and classify them according to the main discovery learning processes: hypothesis generation, design of experiments, interpretation of data, and regulation of learning.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

In each phase of a film's production a group of people collaborate to form a miniature work organization which has characteristic problems of motivation, leadership, and structure.

Harvard Business Review

The automobile, with its increase first in speed and then in numbers over horse-drawn transport, rapidly created a new situation that was to become one of the characteristic problems of urban industrialized society in the 20th century.

Britannica

These characteristic problems include opportunism and multipolar conflicts.

Harvard University

Nevertheless, each instrument presents its own characteristic problems, Ms. Wilkens said.

The New York Times

They remind us that unilateralism may be no walk in the park, but multilateralism has its own characteristic problems, which are showing up already in Libya.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a characteristic problem" to clearly denote a recurring or typical issue within a specific context. This phrase is effective for highlighting patterns or common challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "a characteristic problem" when a simpler phrase like "a problem" or "an issue" suffices. Reserve it for situations where the typicality or recurring nature is specifically relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a characteristic problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "characteristic" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "problem". It serves to specify a particular kind of problem, one that is typical or representative of a certain situation or context. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a characteristic problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an issue that is typical or recurring within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It appears most frequently in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and clear, making it a valuable tool for highlighting patterns or typical challenges. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where emphasizing the recurring or typical nature of the problem is specifically relevant, as it is interchangeable with phrases like "a typical issue" or "a defining challenge".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical issue

Replaces 'characteristic' with 'typical', emphasizing common occurrence.

a defining challenge

Substitutes 'characteristic problem' with 'defining challenge', highlighting a significant obstacle.

a common difficulty

Replaces 'characteristic' with 'common', focusing on the widespread nature of the problem.

a recurring issue

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the problem.

a prevalent concern

Highlights the widespread worry associated with the problem.

a standard complication

Indicates the problem is a normal part of a process or situation.

a representative dilemma

Suggests the problem exemplifies a larger set of issues.

a hallmark challenge

Indicates the problem is a distinctive feature of a situation.

a distinctive issue

Focuses on the unique qualities of the problem.

a classic predicament

Highlights the long-standing and well-recognized nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

Use "a characteristic problem" to describe an issue that is typical or common within a specific context. For example, "One characteristic problem of urban planning is traffic congestion."

What can I say instead of "a characteristic problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a typical issue", "a defining challenge", or "a common difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a characteristic problem"?

While "problem" inherently implies a difficulty, using "characteristic" emphasizes that the problem is typical or recurring within a specific situation, which can add clarity.

Which is more formal, "a characteristic problem" or "a typical problem"?

"A characteristic problem" and "a typical problem" are similarly formal. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the inherent nature (characteristic) or common occurrence (typical) of the problem.