a greater problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue that is more significant or serious than another problem being referenced. Example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, the lack of community support presents a greater problem for our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But a greater problem is the political one.

The New York Times

This points to a greater problem: the ever-growing achievement gap in high schools.

The New Yorker

Republicans insisted that the billboard contracts pointed to a greater problem within state politics.

The New York Times

But a greater problem lies in the mysterious course of mad cow disease.

The New York Times

He argued that often a greater problem for meetings had been overcrowding.

The Guardian

Even before the changes, the study indicates, housing was a greater problem for Jobs First participants.

The New York Times

TO her, his lack of income masked a greater problem: a lack of drive.

The New York Times

"To be honest, I thought it would be a greater problem than it's been.

The New York Times - Arts

A greater problem, however, is the dearth of formal accommodation to combat the deepening crisis.

The Guardian

This is perhaps a greater problem in the US, but in principle it's a problem everywhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will have created more extremism and a greater problem down the road," Mr. Kerry said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a greater problem", ensure you've clearly established the initial problem for context, making the comparison evident.

Common error

Avoid using "a greater problem" hyperbolically. If the issue isn't genuinely more significant, it can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater problem" serves as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object. It identifies or describes a problem that is more significant than another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a greater problem" is a grammatically correct and common way to express that one issue is more significant than another. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure clear context and avoid overstating the significance. Alternatives like "a more significant issue" or "a larger concern" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase's widespread usage is well supported by numerous authoritative sources. Overall, "a greater problem" is a reliable phrase when you are pointing out that one problem is bigger than another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more significant issue

Emphasizes the importance of the issue, replacing 'greater' with 'more significant'.

a larger concern

Focuses on the magnitude of the concern, using 'larger' instead of 'greater'.

a more pressing matter

Highlights the urgency of the situation, substituting 'greater problem' with 'more pressing matter'.

a primary challenge

Identifies the issue as a main obstacle, changing 'problem' to 'challenge'.

a fundamental difficulty

Underlines the basic nature of the problem, using 'fundamental difficulty' in place of 'greater problem'.

a major obstacle

Emphasizes the size and difficulty of the impediment. Replaces "problem" with "obstacle" to highlight the hindrance aspect.

a paramount issue

Stresses the supreme importance of the matter, opting for 'paramount issue'.

a critical concern

Highlights the crucial nature of the worry, using 'critical concern'.

a substantial disadvantage

Shifts the focus to the negative impact, presenting it as a 'substantial disadvantage'.

a heightened risk

Focuses on the increased danger, substituting 'problem' with 'risk'.

FAQs

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

Use "a greater problem" to highlight an issue that is more significant or impactful than another. For example: "While funding is low, "lack of volunteers" is a greater problem."

What are some alternatives to "a greater problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a more significant issue", "a larger concern", or "a more pressing matter" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a greater problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "a greater problem" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise and impactful phrase to convey your meaning. Alternatives like "a fundamental difficulty" may be more fitting in some cases.

What's the difference between "a problem" and "a greater problem"?

"A problem" refers to any issue or difficulty. "A greater problem" indicates that the issue is more serious, impactful, or urgent than another problem being considered or previously mentioned. It implies a comparison in severity.