a deadly problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deadly problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or life-threatening issue that requires urgent attention or resolution. Example: "The city is facing a deadly problem with rising crime rates, which has put the safety of its residents at risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

And we must acknowledge that a deadly problem like this brings a responsibility to find solutions.

The Washington Post

The article also described incorrectly the bombs that were dropped, many of which remain as a deadly problem in rural areas of Laos.

The New York Times

At the end of the war, more than 30 percent of the bombs remained unexploded, leaving Laos with a deadly problem in rural areas that persists today.

The New York Times

The Bloomberg administration has been working to combat a deadly problem in New York City: drivers who speed or run through red lights.

The New York Times

The capital, Kigali, is not ringed by sprawling slums, and carjackings — a deadly problem in many African cities — are virtually unheard of here.

The New York Times

Kenneth F. Cerullo Mahwah, N.J., Feb. 5, 2010 To the Editor: "Toyota's Slow Awakening to a Deadly Problem" (front page, Feb. 1) describes a fatal accident in California apparently caused by a stuck accelerator.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A1 New Flu Strain Discovered A senior Chinese health official disclosed that her country had found a lethal strain of avian influenza among pigs at several farms, a discovery that could move the virus a step closer to becoming a potentially deadly problem for people.

The New York Times

A senior Chinese health official disclosed on Friday that her country had found a lethal strain of avian influenza among pigs at several farms, a discovery that could move the virus a step closer to becoming a potentially deadly problem for people.

The New York Times

Both Iraq and Kuwait have a potentially deadly problem of uncleared DU ammunition.

The Guardian

Experts point out that foam had hit the shuttle before without serious trouble, and so managers had become comfortable with a potentially deadly problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Back in January, three months before the massive explosion that killed 29 miners at a Massey Energy mine in West Virginia, a federal mine safety inspector got an up-close look at both the mine's flawed ventilation system -- and Massey's cavalier approach to a potentially deadly problem.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deadly problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the life-threatening nature of the issue. Providing specific details about the potential consequences can strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a deadly problem" to describe situations that are serious but not life-threatening. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Choose more appropriate language for less critical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deadly problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "deadly" modifies the noun "problem". It serves to emphasize the severity and potentially fatal consequences of the problem being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deadly problem" is a noun phrase used to describe a serious, life-threatening issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for formal and informal discussions. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the severity of the issue. Alternatives include phrases such as ""a lethal issue"" and ""a life-threatening crisis"", providing options for varied expression. It is important to avoid overstating the severity of situations by reserving the term for genuinely critical issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lethal issue

Emphasizes the potential for causing death, similar to the original phrase, but replaces "problem" with "issue".

a life-threatening crisis

Highlights the immediate danger to life, changing "problem" to "crisis" to indicate urgency.

a fatal situation

Focuses on the potential for a deadly outcome, using "situation" as a broader term than "problem".

a perilous predicament

Stresses the dangerous and uncertain nature of the problem, using more formal vocabulary.

a grave danger

Highlights the serious threat involved, shifting from a "problem" to a more direct statement of "danger".

a critical threat

Indicates a high level of importance and danger, focusing on the threatening aspect.

a severe hazard

Emphasizes the potential for harm and damage, using "hazard" to denote a source of danger.

a mortal risk

Directly points out the risk of death, using "mortal" to underscore the severity.

a catastrophic challenge

Highlights the potential for widespread disaster, changing the scale of the problem.

a terminal concern

Focuses on the finality and seriousness of the issue, using "terminal" to suggest a dire end.

FAQs

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

You can use "a deadly problem" to describe a serious or life-threatening issue, such as "The city is facing "a deadly problem" with rising gun violence."

What are some alternatives to "a deadly problem"?

Alternatives include "a lethal issue", "a life-threatening crisis", or "a fatal situation" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a deadly problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "a deadly problem" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a serious and life-threatening issue. However, ensure the context warrants such strong language and consider alternatives like "a critical threat" for a more nuanced tone.

What makes something qualify as "a deadly problem"?

For something to be considered "a deadly problem", it must pose a significant risk of death or severe harm. The phrase is typically used to describe issues like widespread disease, violent conflicts, or environmental disasters that directly threaten human lives.