a key problem in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key problem in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant issue or challenge within a specific context or field. Example: "A key problem in the healthcare system is the lack of access to affordable services."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A key problem in this area is location management.

Stanford University

This indicates, I think, a key problem in these debates.

The New York Times

That's a key problem in terms of providing authority in teenagers' lives.

Independent

Efficient dispersion of nanoclays in biopolymer matrices is a key problem in nanobiocomposite development.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Elimination or mitigation of damage is a key problem in industrial safety.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Efficient disposal of pollutants is a key problem in the environmental context.

Catalysis Today

A key problem in exploiting the Arctic is what happens if - or more likely when - something goes wrong.

The Guardian

String matching is a key problem in many network processing applications.

Microprocessors and Microsystems

Reconstructing gene regulatory networks from high-throughput measurements represents a key problem in functional genomics.

Mathematical Biosciences

This is also a key problem in Gauss-Newton type inversion algorithms.

Journal of Applied Geophysics

CAD graphic preview and interaction is a key problem in the mould collaborative design syetem.

Procedia Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key problem in", ensure that you clearly define the context in which the problem exists. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a key problem in" to describe multifaceted problems without acknowledging the contributing factors. Providing nuanced analysis strengthens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key problem in" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies and introduces a significant issue within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key problem in" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce significant issues or challenges within specific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related sources, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral registers. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are paramount to ensure effective communication. Alternative phrases like "a central issue in" or "a major challenge in" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central issue in

Replaces "key problem" with "central issue", emphasizing the importance of the issue.

a major challenge in

Substitutes "key problem" with "major challenge", highlighting the difficulty involved.

a primary concern in

Replaces "key problem" with "primary concern", shifting the focus to something that causes worry or attention.

a fundamental obstacle in

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the obstacle.

a critical difficulty in

Highlights the crucial and challenging aspect of the difficulty.

a significant hurdle in

Uses "significant hurdle" to describe a problem that needs to be overcome.

a core issue in

Replaces "key problem" with "core issue", pointing to the central and essential nature of the problem.

the main disadvantage of

Focuses on the primary negative aspect or drawback.

the principal drawback of

Similar to "main disadvantage", this emphasizes the primary negative aspect.

a notable limitation of

Highlights a significant restriction or constraint.

FAQs

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

Use "a key problem in" to introduce a significant issue or challenge within a specific context. For example, "A key problem in software development is managing project scope."

What are some alternatives to "a key problem in"?

You can use alternatives like "a central issue in", "a major challenge in", or "a primary concern in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a key problem of" or "a key problem in"?

"A key problem in" is generally preferred because it indicates the context or field where the problem arises, whereas "a key problem of" is less common and might sound awkward. For example: "A key problem in the design of communication networks..."

How do I emphasize the severity of "a key problem in"?

You can emphasize the severity by using stronger adjectives like "critical", "major", or "fundamental". For instance, "A critical problem in the current economic climate is unemployment."