a fundamental problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a main, central, or basic problem. For example, "Poor access to education is a fundamental problem in many developing countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a fundamental problem".

The New Yorker

This points to a fundamental problem.

The New York Times

But film has a fundamental problem.

The Economist

Isn't that a fundamental problem?

The Guardian

It is a fundamental problem.

The New York Times

So that's a fundamental problem.

Yale University

But he had a fundamental problem.

The Guardian - Books

There is a fundamental problem with the idea, however.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think there's a fundamental problem with philanthropy," Hayman says.

The Guardian

A fundamental problem was the concert's basic quartet.

The New York Times - Arts

Theater rooted in history always faces a fundamental problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fundamental problem", ensure it clearly identifies the core issue being addressed. Avoid vague or overly general statements.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental problem" to describe minor inconveniences or easily resolvable issues. Reserve it for significant, deeply rooted challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase identifies a core issue. This use aligns with Ludwig AI's validation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

44%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental problem" serves as a versatile noun phrase for identifying core issues across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. With a high expert rating, the phrase is deemed reliable and appropriate for formal and informal contexts. Its widespread use across sources like The New York Times and academic papers underscores its significance in effective communication. When employing this phrase, ensure it reflects a genuine, deeply rooted challenge to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core issue

Focuses on the central nature of the problem.

a key challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty involved in addressing the problem.

a central difficulty

Highlights the problematic and hindering aspect.

a primary concern

Indicates that the problem is a major worry or focus.

a major obstacle

Stresses the impeding nature of the problem.

a critical flaw

Points out a significant defect or weakness.

a basic deficiency

Highlights a lack of something essential.

a root cause

Focuses on the underlying origin of the problem.

an inherent limitation

Suggests the problem is a natural or unavoidable part of something.

a systemic issue

Indicates that the problem is widespread and embedded within a system.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental problem" to highlight a core issue. For example, "Lack of access to clean water is "a fundamental problem" in many developing countries."

What are some alternatives to "a fundamental problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a core issue", "a key challenge", or "a central difficulty", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the fundamental problem is" instead of "a fundamental problem"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "the fundamental problem" suggests that you are referring to a specific, already identified issue, while "a fundamental problem" introduces a problem.

What's the difference between "a fundamental problem" and "a serious problem"?

"A serious problem" indicates the severity of an issue, while "a fundamental problem" points to an issue that is basic, essential, and often underlying other problems. A serious problem might be a symptom of "a fundamental problem".