a low problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low problem" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe a problem of minor significance or severity, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, this is just a low problem that we can easily resolve."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The prevalence of a high problem rate among 6-month-old infants was greater if these infants were characterized as having a greater amount of problems at the age of 3 months, compared with 3-month-old infants with a low problem rate (43.9% and 12.9% respectively).

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For those who have Medicare — its payments are near the middle of the range — an office visit for a new patient with a "low complexity" problem (service No. 99203) pays $77.29.

The New Yorker

History matching of this model is a low dimensional problem with eight parameters.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The dichotomous dependent variable was filing of a worker's compensation "First Report of Injury" (FRI) for a low back problem (1 = filed FRI, 0 = did not file).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The chancellor said that Britain had a "low-pay problem" that had to be addressed, but he also said the welfare system was unsustainable.

The Guardian

When another guard approached her with a low-priority problem, she cursed at him, shouted and burst into tears, she said.

The New York Times

It's a hi-tech response to a low-tech problem.

BBC

Think climate change is a low-priority problem?

Huffington Post

Two conditions involved assigning these engineers to a low and high problem complexity condition.

The Leadership Quarterly

Uganda has among the highest alcohol consumption per capita and a low detection of problem drinking in the healthcare setting [ 19].

Globalization and Health

At 60, Sebelius is a popular two-term governor of a Republican-dominated state, and her reputation as a low-key problem-solver marks a contrast with Clinton.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a problem that is not serious, consider using more common and clearer alternatives like "a minor issue" or "a small concern" instead of "a low problem".

Common error

Avoid using "low" to describe the severity of a problem directly. "Low" can be misinterpreted; instead, specify the degree of severity with words like "minor", "slight", or "trivial".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low problem" functions as a noun phrase where "low" is intended to modify "problem". However, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrasing is awkward and unclear. It is intended to describe a problem of minor significance or severity, but more standard phrasing is advisable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "a low problem" aims to describe an issue of minor significance, Ludwig AI suggests it's not the most effective or grammatically sound way to convey this. The phrase is rarely used, with only one exact example found in the provided data. More precise and common alternatives, such as "a minor issue" or "a small concern", offer greater clarity. When aiming to downplay the severity of an issue, prioritizing clarity and standard phrasing is crucial for effective communication. Remember that using "low" with another noun might be helpful in more complex phrases like "a low-priority problem".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "low" with "minor", suggesting a small degree of importance.

a slight problem

Uses "slight" to indicate the problem's minimal impact or severity.

a trivial matter

Emphasizes the insignificance of the problem by calling it a "matter".

a small concern

Frames the problem as a "concern", implying it's something to be aware of but not greatly worried about.

an insignificant difficulty

Substitutes both "low" and "problem" with alternatives that convey unimportance and easiness to solve.

a negligible issue

Indicates that the issue is so small it can practically be ignored.

a minor setback

Presents the problem as a temporary delay or obstacle, rather than a major impediment.

a light challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" which makes it sound less severe. "Light" denotes low impact.

a superficial problem

Suggests the problem is only on the surface and doesn't go deep.

a low-priority problem

Explicitly states the problem is not urgent or important, focusing on its prioritization.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "a low problem"?

Instead of "a low problem", consider using phrases like "a minor issue", "a small concern", or "a trivial problem" to more clearly convey a problem of little significance.

Is "a low problem" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a low problem" isn't the most grammatically sound or common way to express a minor issue. It's better to use more standard phrasing for clarity and impact.

How can I use "low" correctly with the word "problem"?

You can use "low" correctly by modifying another noun, such as "a low-priority problem". This indicates the problem is not urgent.

What does "a low-priority problem" mean?

The expression "a low-priority problem" means that the problem isn't urgent and doesn't require immediate attention.