a persistent problem.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persistent problem." is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an issue that continues to occur over time and is difficult to resolve. Example: "Despite numerous attempts to address the issue, it remains a persistent problem in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

U.S. poverty has been a persistent problem.

Stanford University

Growers had a new tool to fight a persistent problem.

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a persistent problem" when you want to highlight that the problem is not new or isolated, but rather an ongoing concern that requires continuous attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a persistent problem" as a general statement without explaining the specific problem you are referring to. Always provide enough context to ensure your audience understands the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a persistent problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies and characterizes an issue that continues to exist or recur over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a persistent problem" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to describe a recurring issue across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the problem. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it's essential to provide specific context for clarity. Alternatives like "a recurring issue" or "an ongoing challenge" offer similar meanings, but may slightly shift the emphasis. The phrase is very commonly used in News & Media, Science and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A recurring issue

Focuses on the repetition of the problem rather than its difficulty to resolve.

An ongoing challenge

Emphasizes the active and continuous nature of the difficulty.

A chronic difficulty

Suggests a long-lasting and deeply ingrained problem.

A long-standing issue

Highlights the duration of the problem.

An enduring problem

Implies that the problem has lasted for a significant amount of time.

A nagging concern

Suggests a problem that is continuously bothersome.

A deep-seated problem

Highlights the fundamental or structural nature of the issue.

An entrenched issue

Indicates that the problem is firmly established and difficult to change.

A stubborn problem

Emphasizes the difficulty in getting rid of the issue.

A recalcitrant issue

Highlights the resistance of the issue to be resolved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a persistent problem" to describe an issue that continues to occur or exist over time. For example: "Employee turnover is "a persistent problem" in the retail industry."

What are some alternatives to "a persistent problem"?

Alternatives include "a recurring issue", "an ongoing challenge", or "a long-standing issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "a persistent problem" differ from "a temporary setback"?

"A persistent problem" implies an ongoing, difficult-to-resolve issue, while "a temporary setback" refers to a short-term obstacle or delay. The former suggests a deeper, more systemic issue.

Is it appropriate to use "a persistent problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "a persistent problem" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a clear and professional way to describe a recurring issue. However, ensure you provide sufficient context and evidence to support your claim.