a novel problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a novel problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is new or unique, often requiring innovative solutions. Example: "The researchers faced a novel problem that had not been encountered in previous studies, prompting them to think outside the box."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But he has a novel problem.

The Economist

And that's not a novel problem.

Harvard University

Paulo Falcão, the project director, is preoccupied with a novel problem for the north-east: a labour shortage.

The Economist

The above cited evidence on dual learning indicates that this is true in situations in which such individuals are presented with a novel problem.

Nature

Doug Ford returned to these themes in the more recent campaign.Dealing with a divided electorate is hardly a novel problem for politicians.

The Economist

This is a novel problem, closely related to variants of the Steiner tree problem and the facility location problem.

Applied Soft Computing

Next, a novel problem, namely the pinch-based calculation of Minimum Utility Cost for a separable heat and mass exchange network, is solved.

Chemical Engineering Science

The study focused on fluid reasoning –- that is, the ability to tackle a novel problem, which is central to IQ tests and has been shown to predict academic performance and performance in demanding careers, Bunge said.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Recognition of this problem calls for adaptation of a novel problem-solving approach.

World Neurosurgery

Methodology articles emphasize the presentation of a novel, problem-specific (experimental or computational) method or procedure, which may drive a biologically-relevant advancement or discovery.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Students were assigned to a team composed of a mathematically oriented student and a benchtop research oriented student, and they are expected to obtain an implementable solution in a novel problem-solving setting.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a novel problem", ensure the context clearly establishes that the problem is indeed new or unique to the situation being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a novel problem" when you simply mean an interesting or complex problem. "Novel" specifically implies that the problem is new and previously unencountered. Use "a complex problem" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a novel problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "novel" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "problem". It typically introduces a subject requiring attention or resolution. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a novel problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a new and unique challenge or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. It appears most commonly in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the problem is genuinely new or unique, and avoid using it simply to mean an interesting or complex problem. Consider using alternative phrases like "an unprecedented issue" or "a unique challenge" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unprecedented issue

Emphasizes the lack of prior occurrence of the problem.

a unique challenge

Highlights the distinct and exceptional nature of the challenge.

a fresh predicament

Indicates a new and difficult situation or problem.

an innovative difficulty

Suggests a problem requiring creative or inventive solutions.

an original issue

Focuses on the issue being newly created or invented.

a groundbreaking hurdle

Highlights the potential for overcoming the problem to lead to significant advancements.

a pioneering obstacle

Implies the problem is encountered when initiating something new.

an unfamiliar complication

Emphasizes the lack of prior experience with the complication.

a recently emerged concern

Indicates the problem has appeared or become prominent in recent times.

a theretofore unknown snag

Highlights that the issue has not been known or experienced until now.

FAQs

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

You can use "a novel problem" to describe a new or unique challenge. For example, "The company faced "a novel problem" when they tried to expand into a new market."

What's a good alternative to "a novel problem"?

Alternatives include "an unprecedented issue", "a unique challenge", or "a fresh predicament". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a new problem" instead of "a novel problem"?

While "a new problem" is grammatically correct, "a novel problem" emphasizes the uniqueness and originality of the issue, rather than simply its recent occurrence. Consider using the word "a novel problem" when you mean something that is new and unique.

What distinguishes "a novel problem" from a typical problem?

The key difference is that "a novel problem" has not been encountered before, requiring new approaches and solutions. A typical problem might be recurring or have established solutions.