a frequent problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frequent problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an issue that occurs often or repeatedly in a particular context. Example: "One of the challenges we face in our project is a frequent problem with communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've written songs against sexual harassment, a frequent problem in the country," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Risk transfer is a frequent problem and contracts management arrangements are often weak.

The Guardian

A sense of entitlement is a frequent problem, especially when coupled with a lack of respect.

The New York Times

Both were serious offenses for a population for which wandering off is a frequent problem.

The New York Times

Medication errors, the researchers noted, are a frequent problem, and poor labeling is considered a possible contributor.

The New York Times - Health

If they are not, the school or clinic will languish unused, a frequent problem with large-scale development efforts.

The New York Times

"That's a frequent problem with asking questions in the world of global private intelligence," Mr. Javers shrugs.

The New York Times

This has been a frequent problem for opponents of the Huskies, who allowed teams to shoot only 32percentt from the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Even where there is a connection to a networked facility, sewage treatment plants are not operating at capacity, with breakdowns a frequent problem.

The Guardian

He is struggling to find somewhere else to live – a frequent problem in the capital, with high rents and scarce accommodation.

The Guardian

Pressure ulcers is a frequent problem in hospitalized patients.

Journal of Tissue Viability

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider stronger synonyms like "prevalent challenge" or "recurring obstacle" if appropriate for your specific context to add nuance and sophistication.

Common error

While "a frequent problem" is a clear expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the sentence to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frequent problem" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and labels an issue that occurs repeatedly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a frequent problem" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe recurring issues across various domains. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While effective, it's important to vary language and provide context to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "a common issue" or "a recurring challenge" to enhance clarity and sophistication. The phrase is deemed suitable for both professional and informal communications, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Ludwig AI examples show that the phrase is used to inform, explain or justify the allocation of resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common issue

Replaces "frequent" with "common", suggesting a widespread occurrence.

a recurring issue

Substitutes "frequent" with "recurring", highlighting the repetitive nature of the problem.

a prevalent problem

Uses "prevalent" instead of "frequent", emphasizing the widespread nature of the issue.

a widespread issue

Employs "widespread" to indicate that the problem affects many people or areas.

a regular occurrence

Shifts from "problem" to "occurrence", focusing on the event happening repeatedly.

a common challenge

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

a typical difficulty

Substitutes "frequent problem" with "typical difficulty", suggesting that the issue is expected.

a persistent issue

Uses "persistent" to convey that the problem continues to exist or recur.

an often-faced problem

Rephrases to emphasize how often the problem is encountered.

a routine difficulty

Highlights the habitual nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a frequent problem" to describe issues that occur repeatedly. For example, "Network outages are "a frequent problem" in this office."

What can I say instead of "a frequent problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a common issue", "a recurring issue", or "a prevalent problem" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a frequent problem" or "a frequently problem"?

"A frequent problem" is correct. "Frequently" is an adverb and doesn't fit this construction; "frequent" is the adjective needed to modify "problem".

What's the difference between "a frequent problem" and "a common problem"?

While similar, "a frequent problem" emphasizes the repeated occurrence of the issue, whereas "a common problem" suggests it affects many people or places. The nuance depends on the specific context.