a persistent problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persistent problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an issue that continues to exist or remain over a long period of time, especially if it is difficult to resolve. For example, "The lack of affordable housing is a persistent problem in many cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

U.S. poverty has been a persistent problem.

Stanford University

A persistent problem, he noted, is that demand outpaces supply.

The New York Times

Scorpions, both yellow and green, were a persistent problem.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's been a persistent problem for some time".

The New York Times

This has been a persistent problem for him.

The New Yorker

His committee's recent hearings expose a persistent problem.

The Guardian

Uneven performances, however, have been a persistent problem.

University of California, Berkeley

Precipitation is scarce, and drought is a persistent problem.

Britannica

Female retention in engineering remains a persistent problem.

Harvard Business Review

Prescription-drug abuse remained a persistent problem, officials said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Growers had a new tool to fight a persistent problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a persistent problem" with specific data or examples to strengthen your argument and provide concrete evidence of the issue's ongoing nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a persistent problem" to describe issues that are easily resolved or of minor consequence. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a persistent problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it identifies and characterizes an issue that continues to exist or recur over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

28%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a persistent problem" is a common phrase used to describe an issue that continues to exist or recur over time. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, noting its application across various contexts, including academia, news media, and scientific publications. While grammatically sound, the writing guidance emphasizes avoiding overuse in trivial contexts to maintain its impact. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express the ongoing nature of the problem, and understanding the appropriate register ensures effective communication. With approximately 67 examples, Ludwig underscores the phrase's prevalence and its importance in effectively conveying the enduring nature of various issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ongoing issue

Replaces "persistent" with "ongoing", emphasizing the continuous nature of the problem.

a recurring challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", suggesting a difficulty that needs effort to overcome and replaces "persistent" with "recurring" highlighting the repetition of the challenge.

a chronic issue

Uses "chronic" instead of "persistent", highlighting the long-lasting or frequently recurring nature of the issue.

a long-standing problem

Emphasizes the duration of the problem, highlighting that it has existed for a considerable time.

an enduring difficulty

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty" and "persistent" with "enduring", suggesting a problem that has lasted for a long time.

a continuing concern

Focuses on the worry or anxiety caused by the problem, rather than the problem itself.

a regular headache

Replaces "problem" with "headache", presenting the issue as something annoying and disruptive.

a constant struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in dealing with the problem.

a stubborn issue

Emphasizes the difficulty in resolving the problem, suggesting it is resistant to change.

a deeply rooted problem

Suggests that the problem is fundamental and difficult to eradicate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a persistent problem" to describe an issue that continues to exist or recur over a long period. For example, "Employee turnover is "a persistent problem" in the retail industry".

What are some alternatives to "a persistent problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an ongoing issue", "a recurring challenge", or "a chronic issue".

Is it better to say "persistent issue" or "persistent problem"?

Both "persistent issue" and ""a persistent problem"" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Problem" often implies a more negative or troublesome situation.

What makes a problem "persistent"?

A problem is considered "persistent" when it continues to exist or recur over an extended period, despite efforts to resolve it. This implies that the problem is deeply rooted or complex.