a familiar problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a familiar problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an issue or challenge that is well-known or has been encountered before. Example: "The team is currently addressing a familiar problem that has arisen in previous projects, which is the lack of communication among departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a familiar problem for Phoenix.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Obama addressed a familiar problem.

The New York Times

For Collymore, it's a familiar problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Commentary: economic transfers, the changing face of a familiar problem.

Harvard University

Mr Modi is facing a familiar problem in India.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it also leaves Free Spirit with a familiar problem.

The Guardian - Music

As I say, this is a familiar problem.

The Guardian - Sport

The museum's struggle to raise cash is a familiar problem at cultural institutions around the country.

The New York Times - Arts

Ketchup faces a familiar problem for social apps: the lack of a critical mass of users.

The New York Times

This is a familiar problem around the world in the digital age.

The Economist

As his second bid for mayor swung into gear, Rudolph W. Giuliani had a familiar problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "recurring issue" or "common challenge" if "a familiar problem" feels overused in your writing. Varying your language can make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "a familiar problem" without providing sufficient context for the reader to understand why the problem is familiar. Lack of context can confuse the audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a familiar problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific issue that is known or has been encountered before. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a familiar problem" is a common and correct phrase used to describe issues that are well-known or frequently encountered. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies why the problem is familiar to the audience. Consider related phrases such as "a recurring issue" or "a common challenge" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "a familiar problem" into your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring issue

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

a common challenge

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

a well-known difficulty

Replaces "familiar" with "well-known" and "problem" with "difficulty", highlighting the widespread awareness of the issue.

a recurring difficulty

Combines "recurring" and "difficulty" to emphasize the repetitive and challenging aspects.

a typical predicament

Uses "typical predicament" instead of "familiar problem", suggesting a common and difficult situation.

a common concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern", focusing on the worry or anxiety associated with the issue.

a recurring headache

Uses "recurring headache" to describe something annoying and difficult to deal with.

an oft-repeated issue

Replaces "familiar" with "oft-repeated", emphasizing how frequently the issue has come up.

a persistent challenge

Combines "persistent" and "challenge" to suggest an ongoing obstacle.

a classic case

Replaces "familiar problem" with "a classic case", presenting issue as a standard, well-recognized example of a particular situation.

FAQs

What's another way to say "a familiar problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a recurring issue", "a common challenge", or "a well-known difficulty" depending on the context.

How do I use "a familiar problem" in a sentence?

Use "a familiar problem" to describe an issue that is well-known or frequently encountered. For example: "The company is facing "a familiar problem": declining sales during the summer months."

Is it okay to use "a familiar problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "a familiar problem" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrase. For more formal situations, phrases like "a recurring issue" might be preferable.

What is the difference between "a familiar problem" and "a similar problem"?

"A familiar problem" refers to an issue that is well-known or has been encountered before, while "a similar problem" indicates an issue that shares characteristics with another, without necessarily being commonly known. The first focuses on recognizability, the second one on analogy.