a pernicious problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pernicious problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that is harmful or destructive, often in a subtle or insidious way. Example: "The rise of misinformation on social media has become a pernicious problem that affects public trust in information sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is why this is such a pernicious problem.

The Economist

Child labour and slavery remain a pernicious problem.

The Guardian

That the former prime minister elevated corruption, always a pernicious problem here, to new heights; that he tried to control everything, and is still doing so from self-imposed exile, through his sister Yingluck, the current prime minister.

BBC

The influence of corporate money and lobbying is, of course, a pernicious problem that routinely interferes with the democratic process and places ordinary citizens at a disadvantage.

Huffington Post

While there are many ways to tackle such a pernicious problem, Roosegaarde's dual tactic of cleaning and simultaneously creating is one of the more forward-thinking proposed solutions to this issue.

Vice

When measurements are clustered within the same groupings that serve as the units for cluster randomisation, however, a pernicious problem arises: the variation due to clustered measurement becomes inseparable from that due to clustered randomisation.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The protracted fighting in eastern Congo is a symptom of a more pernicious problem than ethnic tension: the rush for control of natural resources.

Forbes

"It is a world problem and it is a very pernicious problem.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is a particularly pernicious problem in sport, because of the massive fight female athletes are already facing to win the coverage and funding they deserve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It puts a face — or rather, a mask — on a far more pernicious problem: online espionage.

The New York Times

He was rewarded for his silver medal at London with six cows, but last year he suffered with a thigh strain and a potentially more pernicious problem: fame.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pernicious problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the harmful and often subtle nature of the issue being discussed. Providing specific examples or detailing the negative consequences can enhance the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a pernicious problem" in overly casual or informal settings. The phrase's formal tone might sound out of place and reduce the overall impact. Opt for simpler, more direct language when communicating informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pernicious problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "pernicious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "problem". It highlights the particularly harmful or destructive nature of the issue. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pernicious problem" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively describes a harmful and insidious issue. As highlighted by Ludwig, the expression is found frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. While alternatives exist, such as "a detrimental issue" or "a harmful dilemma", the term "pernicious" specifically emphasizes the subtle and destructive nature of the problem. When employing this phrase, it's best suited for formal writing or discussions where its precise meaning can add significant impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detrimental issue

Replaces "pernicious" with "detrimental", focusing on the harmful aspect of the problem.

a damaging matter

Substitutes "pernicious" and "problem" with "damaging" and "matter", highlighting the harmful consequences.

a harmful dilemma

Replaces "pernicious" with "harmful" and "problem" with "dilemma", suggesting a difficult choice with negative outcomes.

a destructive predicament

Emphasizes the potential for ruin associated with the problem, using stronger vocabulary.

a malignant situation

Implies an actively worsening and dangerous condition.

a troublesome ordeal

Focuses on the difficulty and unpleasantness of the problem.

a vexing challenge

Highlights the frustrating and irritating nature of the issue.

a severe complication

Suggests that the problem significantly complicates a situation.

a grave concern

Indicates the serious and worrying nature of the issue.

an insidious threat

Emphasizes the subtle and gradually harmful nature of the issue, portraying it as a looming danger.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pernicious problem" to describe an issue that is harmful and often subtle or insidious. For example, "The spread of misinformation online is "a pernicious problem" that erodes public trust."

What are some alternatives to saying "a pernicious problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a detrimental issue", "a harmful dilemma", or "a grave concern".

Is it appropriate to use "a pernicious problem" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a pernicious problem" is more suited to formal writing and discussions. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "a serious issue" or "a bad problem" might be more appropriate.

What makes something a "pernicious" problem, as opposed to just a "bad" problem?

The word "pernicious" suggests that the problem is not only harmful but also subtly destructive and often difficult to detect or stop. It implies a gradual and insidious negative impact, making it more serious than a simply "bad" problem.