a pervasive problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pervasive problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a problem that is widespread or affects a large number of people or things. Example sentence: Pollution is a pervasive problem that affects people all over the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is such a pervasive problem.

Independent

Sexual abuse is a pervasive problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a pervasive problem these days.

The New York Times

"Poaching is certainly a pervasive problem," Dr. Rand said.

The New York Times

"There's a pervasive problem of corruption in Iraq," she said.

The New York Times

That's a pervasive problem throughout the tax system.

The New York Times

This is a pervasive problem that needs attention.

The New York Times

"A pervasive problem," a member of the class of 2013 wrote on nytimes.com.

The New York Times

Heavily traveled, these roads are subject to traffic gridlock, a pervasive problem that remains unresolved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why is child trafficking such a pervasive problem in the northeast?

The New York Times

And, he said, the network doesn't view the sharing "as a pervasive problem at this time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pervasive problem", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the widespread nature of the issue you are describing. Provide specific examples or data to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a pervasive problem" if the issue is limited to a specific group or location. A more precise term may be needed to reflect the actual extent of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pervasive problem" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a descriptor, used to identify and categorize an issue that is widespread or deeply ingrained. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pervasive problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe issues that are widespread and deeply ingrained. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its validity and utility across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives such as "a widespread issue" or "a common difficulty" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The key is to ensure that the context supports the claim of pervasiveness, avoiding overstatement and maintaining clarity. Therefore, using the phrase judiciously, backed by evidence, will enhance the impact and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "pervasive" with "widespread", keeping the core meaning intact.

a common difficulty

Substitutes "pervasive" with "common" and "problem" with "difficulty", softening the tone slightly.

a prevalent concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern" and "pervasive" with "prevalent", emphasizing the worry associated with the issue.

an extensive challenge

Uses "extensive" instead of "pervasive" and "challenge" in place of "problem", highlighting the demanding nature of the situation.

a ubiquitous issue

Replaces "pervasive" with "ubiquitous", indicating that the problem is very common and appears everywhere.

a far-reaching concern

Replaces "pervasive" with "far-reaching", emphasizing the broad impact of the concern.

a deep-seated problem

Replaces "pervasive" with "deep-seated", indicating the problem is firmly established and difficult to change.

a systemic issue

Uses "systemic" instead of "pervasive", suggesting that the issue is inherent in a system or organization.

a chronic issue

Replacing "pervasive" with "chronic", it suggests a long-lasting and recurring nature of the issue.

a general occurrence

Replaces "pervasive problem" with a more neutral description, indicating a common event or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pervasive problem" to describe an issue that is widespread. For example, "Online harassment is "a pervasive problem" for women".

What's the difference between "a pervasive problem" and "a common problem"?

"A pervasive problem" implies that the issue affects many aspects or areas, while "a common problem" simply means it occurs frequently. Pervasiveness suggests a deeper, more far-reaching impact.

What can I say instead of "a pervasive problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a widespread issue", "a common difficulty", or "a prevalent concern" depending on the context.

Is "a pervasive problem" formal or informal language?

"A pervasive problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it often appears in more serious or analytical discussions. Its usage depends more on the subject matter than the audience.