a perpetual problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perpetual problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or challenge that is ongoing and does not seem to have a resolution. Example: "The lack of affordable housing in urban areas has become a perpetual problem that affects many families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

For drivers, parking is a perpetual problem, especially around the 50th Precinct station house.

The New York Times

The portrayal of teenagers onstage is a perpetual problem in the theater.

The New York Times

Instead of festering as a perpetual problem this season, the offensive line, like some other parts of the team, has steadily developed.

The New York Times - Sports

EXTRA POINTS The Giants Stadium field, a perpetual problem last season, was in terrible shape after a heavy rain began to fall at game time.

The New York Times - Sports

Coming off the ferry, the migrants will take a flyblown bus to Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, from where some plan to carry on to Cameroon, on the Atlantic side of the continent, a journey of several more weeks.Transport is a perpetual problem in Africa.

The Economist

Mr Atwill says that acts of insurrection by Jewish sects, who were awaiting the arrival of a so-called 'warrior Messiah' in Palestine, were a perpetual problem for the Roman Empire and that after the Empire had exhausted all traditional means of dealing with the problem they resorted to psychological warfare.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Secondly, the elite decision makers are simply not producing products that America wants — a longstanding and perpetual problem that is visible even outside of cultural industries.

Harvard Business Review

However, this case is an example of the perpetual problem of most people's unawareness of the law until it becomes an issue, and now it has become an issue on the national stage.

Huffington Post

In response, despite continuing worries over internal stability and the perpetual problem of a hostile Pakistan, Indian planners have begun to broaden their strategic horizons.

The New York Times - Books

For decades, this section of Camden -- physically cut off from the rest of the city by railroad tracks and two rivers -- has been largely ignored by government officials, a condition underscored by the rutted roads, shattered streetlights and a perpetual flooding problem.

The New York Times

The company, however, will end up facing the perpetual problem of convincing those larger companies that it's a grown-up enterprise company and get them off Microsoft's tools.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a perpetual problem", ensure the context clearly indicates the issue's recurring or continuous nature. Provide specific examples to illustrate its persistence.

Common error

While "a perpetual problem" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise or technical language may be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "chronic issue" or "persistent challenge" for added specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perpetual problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts to describe an ongoing issue that lacks resolution. It provides a way to characterize difficulties that persist over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56.25%

Science

18.75%

Wiki

6.25%

Less common in

Academia

6.25%

Formal & Business

6.25%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a perpetual problem" effectively describes a recurring or continuous issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the context and choose synonyms like "a persistent issue" or "an ongoing difficulty" for added precision in academic or professional writing. Using specific examples when describing the problem will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent issue

Focuses on the continuing nature of the issue, emphasizing its resistance to resolution.

a recurring challenge

Highlights the cyclical nature of the problem, suggesting it appears repeatedly.

an ongoing difficulty

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the trouble, implying a lack of immediate solution.

a chronic concern

Implies a long-lasting and potentially worsening problem, often associated with health or societal issues.

an intractable dilemma

Stresses the difficulty in solving the problem, suggesting it resists easy solutions.

an endemic predicament

Indicates the problem is widespread and deeply rooted within a specific context or environment.

a ceaseless struggle

Highlights the continuous effort required to manage or overcome the problem.

a never-ending battle

Emphasizes the protracted and potentially futile nature of trying to resolve the issue.

a consistent headache

Uses a more informal and relatable term to describe the frustrating and persistent nature of the problem.

a perennial headache

Synonymous with the previous phrase, but uses a slightly more elevated vocabulary.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perpetual problem" to describe an ongoing issue. For instance, "The lack of funding is "a perpetual problem" for many non-profit organizations".

What are some alternatives to "a perpetual problem"?

Alternatives include "a persistent issue", "a recurring challenge", or "an ongoing difficulty", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a perpetual problem" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, consider using more formal synonyms like "chronic issue" or "persistent challenge" in academic contexts for enhanced precision and professionalism.

What makes a problem qualify as "a perpetual problem"?

A problem qualifies as "a perpetual problem" when it consistently reoccurs or persists over an extended period, resisting easy or permanent solutions. For example, "Traffic congestion is "a perpetual problem" in the city center".