a chronic problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chronic problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that is persistent and long-lasting, often difficult to resolve. Example: "The city has been facing a chronic problem with traffic congestion for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unemployment, however, has been a chronic problem.

The New York Times

Employee theft is a chronic problem.

The New York Times

Did that blinking suggest a chronic problem?

The Guardian - Sport

He was also having severe back pain, a chronic problem.

The New York Times

It solves a chronic problem of museums: the Pantheon effect.

The New Yorker

Chinese banks have a chronic problem with issuing improper loans.

The New York Times

Smog has become a chronic problem in the city.

The New York Times

But it can also become a chronic problem.

Harvard University

Failure to turn over evidence is a chronic problem.

The New York Times

A shortage of housing has been a chronic problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If sleeplessness is a chronic problem, talk to your physician.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "persistent issue" or "ongoing challenge" for variety, but only when they accurately reflect the meaning of "a chronic problem".

Common error

Avoid using "a chronic problem" for issues that are merely temporary or easily resolved. A chronic problem implies a deep-rooted, recurring difficulty, not a one-time inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chronic problem" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a particular issue as being persistent and long-lasting. Ludwig AI shows it's commonly used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a chronic problem" is a noun phrase used to describe a persistent and recurring issue. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common across various sources, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly reflects the long-lasting nature of the issue. While synonyms like "a recurring issue" or "a persistent difficulty" can be used, it's important to avoid using "a chronic problem" for temporary or easily resolved issues. The phrase serves to emphasize the enduring and often challenging nature of the problem being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", emphasizing the repetitive nature.

a persistent difficulty

Substitutes "chronic" with "persistent" and "problem" with "difficulty", focusing on the enduring nature of the issue.

a long-standing concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern" adding a sense of worry or anxiety associated with the problem.

an ongoing challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing the situation as something to be overcome.

a continuing struggle

Uses "struggle" instead of "problem" to highlight the effort involved in dealing with it.

an age-old issue

Emphasizes that the issue has been around for a very long time.

an ingrained problem

Highlights that the issue is deeply established and difficult to change.

a deep-seated issue

Indicates that the problem is fundamental and difficult to resolve.

a tough nut to crack

An idiomatic expression that suggests the problem is particularly difficult to solve.

a Gordian knot

An idiomatic expression alluding to a problem solvable only by bold action or circumvention.

FAQs

What does "a chronic problem" mean?

The phrase "a chronic problem" refers to an issue that is persistent, recurring, and long-lasting. It's often used to describe difficulties that are difficult to resolve quickly or easily.

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

You can use "a chronic problem" to describe various situations. For example: "Understaffing is "a chronic problem" in the healthcare industry." or "The city faces "a chronic problem" with traffic congestion."

What are some alternatives to "a chronic problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a recurring issue", "a persistent difficulty", or "a long-standing concern", depending on the specific context.

Is "chronic problem" the same as "acute problem"?

No, "chronic" and "acute" have opposite meanings. A "chronic problem" is long-lasting and recurring, while an "acute problem" is sudden and severe, but typically short-lived.