a common problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a common problem' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem which is experienced by many people or is widely known. For example: "Global warming is a common problem faced by many countries around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a common problem.

The New York Times

It's a common problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is certainly a common problem.

Independent

Still a Common Problem Why?

The New York Times

DVT is a common problem.

Harvard University

All three families share a common problem.

The New York Times

"It's a common problem," Helen Marnie accepts.

The Guardian

Inadequate water supply is a common problem.

The Guardian

U.S. Financial's story reflects a common problem.

Harvard Business Review

This is a common problem with philosophers.

The Guardian - Books

This seems to be a common problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common problem", provide specific context to illustrate the problem's relevance and impact. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "a common problem" without providing supporting evidence or examples. This can weaken your credibility and make your claim less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes a problem that is widely experienced or recognized. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common problem" is a versatile phrase used to denote issues that are widely experienced across different domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and frequently used. Its neutrality makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid overgeneralization. When aiming for greater precision, consider alternatives like "a frequent issue" or "a widespread concern" to better reflect the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequent issue

Focuses on the frequency of the issue rather than its universality.

a widespread concern

Emphasizes the breadth of the concern rather than just the problem itself.

a prevailing difficulty

Highlights the dominance or pervasiveness of the difficulty.

a recurring challenge

Stresses the repetitive nature of the challenge.

a typical drawback

Highlights that it is characteristic of the situation.

a familiar obstacle

Emphasizes the well-known nature of the obstacle.

a general predicament

Implies a difficult or unpleasant situation that affects many.

a shared struggle

Highlights the communal aspect of the struggle.

a usual suspect

Suggests something is expected or predictable, often in a negative context.

an everyday occurrence

Focuses on the mundane and routine nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common problem" to introduce an issue that many people experience. For example, "Procrastination is "a common problem" among students."

What are some alternatives to saying "a common problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a frequent issue", "a widespread concern", or "a recurring challenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a common problem" or "a general problem"?

Both are correct, but ""a common problem"" suggests the issue is experienced by many, while "a general problem" implies the issue is widespread or affects many areas.

When should I use "a common problem" versus "an uncommon problem"?

"A common problem" is used when describing something that frequently occurs, whereas "an uncommon problem" describes something that is rare or infrequent.