a famous problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a famous problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a well-known issue or challenge in a specific field, such as mathematics, science, or philosophy. Example: "The P vs NP problem is a famous problem in computer science that has yet to be solved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This was a famous problem.

The New Yorker

"It's a famous problem in Earth rotation studies," Dr. Gross said.

The New York Times - Science

Around 1540, under a promise of strict secrecy, Tartaglia revealed how he had solved a famous problem called the cubic equation.

The New York Times

Or they announce that they have solved several problems at once, or "they say they have solved a famous problem along with some unified-field theory in physics," the mathematician said.

The New Yorker

Within the past year he has written the music for three "Nova" programs on PBS, including a five-part mini-series called "Nova Science Now," which included an on-camera appearance serenading a group of mathematicians on the twin prime conjecture, a famous problem in number theory.

The New York Times

A redundancy allocation is a famous problem in reliability sciences.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

(A third famous problem of material constitution the problem of the Ship of Theseus raises questions of a different sort).

SEP

BHCP is a very famous problem and has been considered by many authors by different methods [3 19].

Boundary Value Problems

Vehicle routing problem (VRP) is a famous optimization problem.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

In the 18th century, such a challenge spurred a solution to Newton's famous problem of how to determine longitude at sea. (A clockmaker, John Harrison, won the competition by inventing the marine chronometer).

The New York Times - Health

Without the benefit of any formal training, Ramanujan claims to have come close to a solution to the famous problem.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a famous problem", ensure the context clearly indicates why the problem is considered famous. Providing brief background or implications enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a famous problem" without providing context or explanation, especially when writing for a general audience. Not all readers will recognize the problem, even if it is well-known in a specific field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a famous problem" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "famous" modifies the noun "problem". It describes a problem that is widely known or recognized. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a famous problem" is a noun phrase used to denote a well-known issue or challenge, as supported by Ludwig's diverse examples. The phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it's best practice to provide context to ensure clarity for all audiences. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and offers valuable insights into its usage and alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-known problem

Replaces "famous" with "well-known", maintaining the same meaning.

a notorious problem

Substitutes "famous" with "notorious", implying the problem is well-known for negative reasons.

a celebrated problem

Uses "celebrated" instead of "famous", suggesting the problem is well-regarded or significant.

a prominent issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", indicating a broader concern or matter of debate.

a significant challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing it as a task needing effort and skill.

a classic dilemma

Replaces "famous problem" with a "classic dilemma", suggesting a situation with difficult choices.

a recognized difficulty

Substitutes "famous problem" with "recognized difficulty", indicating an acknowledged obstacle.

a major hurdle

Replaces "problem" with "hurdle", framing it as an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

a long-standing puzzle

Replaces "famous problem" with a "long-standing puzzle", implying a difficult and unsolved question.

an established conundrum

Replaces "famous problem" with "established conundrum", indicating a confusing and difficult problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a famous problem" to refer to a well-known issue or challenge, like in the sentence: "The Riemann Hypothesis is "a famous problem" in mathematics that remains unsolved."

What are some alternatives to "a famous problem"?

Alternatives include "a well-known problem", "a notorious problem", or "a prominent issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to explain "a famous problem" when using the phrase?

While the phrase implies the problem is well-known, providing some context or background is helpful, especially when writing for a diverse audience or one not familiar with the specific field where the problem arises.

What makes a problem qualify as "a famous problem"?

A problem qualifies as "a famous problem" when it has gained widespread recognition and significance within a particular field or the broader community, often due to its complexity, impact, or historical relevance.