a part of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"a part of the problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone or something that contributes to a larger issue or difficulty. Example: "The lack of communication between departments is a part of the problem in our company's productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm surely a part of the problem".

The New York Times - Science

I think that's very much a part of the problem.

The New York Times

Persky is a part of the problem, she added.

The Guardian

"Serve your community, don't be a part of the problem".

The Guardian

But street people are only a part of the problem.

The New York Times

In many critical situations, parents are a part of the problem.

Harvard University

Austerity at news media companies is undoubtedly a part of the problem.

The New York Times

Yet these visible obligations are just a part of the problem.

The New York Times

Pakistan is a part of the solution and not a part of the problem".

The New York Times

Suárez is treated in a similar way and maybe that is a part of the problem.

The Guardian - Sport

One-sided optimistic presumptions about GM and its implications seem only a part of the problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a part of the problem", be specific about how the subject contributes to the issue. Avoid vague statements and provide concrete examples or explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "a part of the problem" without explaining the link. Readers need to understand how something contributes to the issue, not just that it's somehow related.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a part of the problem" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something or someone as a contributing element to an existing issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing that it effectively highlights involvement in a negative situation. Examples in Ludwig illustrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a part of the problem" is a commonly used expression to describe a contributing factor to a larger issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that it frequently appears in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating a neutral formality level. While the phrase itself does not assign full blame, it highlights involvement or contribution to a negative situation. To use it effectively, provide specific examples or explanations to avoid vague statements. Alternatives such as "contributing factor" or "complicating the matter" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributing factor

Focuses on the aspect of actively contributing to the problem.

factor in the issue

Similar to "contributing factor" but slightly broader in scope.

complicating the matter

Emphasizes the act of making the problem more complex.

aspect of the predicament

Focuses on a particular angle or view of the problem.

element of the difficulty

Highlights the specific aspect or component of the overall problem.

exacerbating the challenge

Focuses on the act of making the challenge more severe.

involved in the trouble

Highlights involvement or implication in the negative situation.

complicit in the situation

Suggests a degree of responsibility or guilt in the problem.

fueling the crisis

Implies actively worsening or intensifying the problem.

an ingredient in the disaster

Highlights being an essential, although perhaps small, contributor to the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "a part of the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "a part of the problem" to indicate that someone or something contributes to a larger issue. For example, "Lack of funding is "a part of the problem" with our education system".

What's the difference between "a part of the problem" and "the root of the problem"?

"A part of the problem" indicates a contributing factor, while "the root of the problem" refers to the primary cause. Something that's "a part of the problem" may exacerbate an issue, but not necessarily be the origin.

What can I say instead of "a part of the problem"?

You can use alternatives like "contributing factor", "complicating the matter", or "element of the difficulty" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to be "a part of the problem"?

Yes, the phrase "a part of the problem" always carries a negative connotation, implying contribution to an unfavorable situation. If you are looking for positive meaning it's better to use "a part of the solution".