a great problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or challenge that is significant or serious in nature. Example: "The team faced a great problem when they discovered the software had a major flaw just days before the launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a great problem to have.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a great problem.

The Guardian

What a great problem to have.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He'll set you a great problem," she said.

The New York Times - Science

It is a great problem for the N.Y.

The New Yorker

"This is a great problem," Mr. Reynolds said.

The New York Times

I am highly adaptable and a great problem solver.

The Guardian

"This is a great problem to have," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have a great problem speaking about artists.

The New York Times

"Football fields are a great problem," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Managing growth is a great problem to have," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great problem", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it the magnitude, complexity, or urgency of the issue you wish to emphasize? Choose synonyms accordingly for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a great problem" as a generic placeholder. Always specify the nature and impact of the problem to provide meaningful context for your audience. Instead of just saying "a great problem", explain why it's significant, like "a great problem with resource allocation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great problem" functions as a noun phrase serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it commonly describes significant difficulties or challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great problem" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a significant issue or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and general discourse, remember to provide specific details to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "a significant issue" or "a major challenge" depending on the desired nuance. Using precise language will help make the phrase more impactful in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant issue

Replaces "great" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the problem.

a major challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing it as an obstacle to overcome.

a considerable difficulty

Uses more formal language, replacing "great" with "considerable" and "problem" with "difficulty".

a substantial concern

Emphasizes the worry or anxiety associated with the problem.

a serious predicament

Highlights the difficult or dangerous nature of the situation.

a tough situation

Uses more informal language to describe the problem.

a complex matter

Focuses on the complicated nature of the problem.

a pressing issue

Highlights the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a thorny question

Presents the problem as a difficult or delicate issue to resolve.

a headache

Uses an informal idiom to describe something causing worry or annoyance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great problem" to describe a significant issue or challenge. For example: "The lack of funding is "a great problem" for the research team."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant issue", "a major challenge", or "a considerable difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a great problem"?

While grammatically correct, "a great problem" can sometimes sound vague. Consider providing more specific details about the nature and scope of the problem for better clarity.

What's the difference between "a great problem" and "a major problem"?

Both phrases indicate a significant issue, but "a major problem" might imply a more critical or impactful situation than "a great problem".