a pivotal problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pivotal problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that is crucial or of great importance in a particular context or situation. Example: "The team identified a pivotal problem that needed to be addressed before moving forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In 1969 he also published a small book on the founders' complex and highly creative thinking about political representation — a pivotal problem in the American Revolution.

The New York Times - Books

This paper investigates a pivotal problem in supply chain management: how to configure supply networks and business processes to achieve time performance.

International Journal of Production Economics

Understanding the complex mechanisms that regulate gene expression is a pivotal problem in molecular biology.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Differential hypoxia is a pivotal problem in cardiopulmonary failure patients with femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) support.

Critical Care

Differential hypoxia is a pivotal problem in cardiopulmonary failure patients with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) support.

Critical Care

Differential hypoxia is a pivotal problem in patients with femoral veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The management of exudate was the focus because it was demonstrated to be the pivotal problem for patients and clinicians in a study of malignant wounds, and is a recurring problem in other wound types.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

The lack of this knowledge is the pivotal problem in molecular electronics.

Synthetic Metals

Progressive destruction of articular cartilage and bone is the pivotal problem of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Autoimmunity Reviews

In order to get more high-performance devices, the pivotal problem is how to get better quality materials.

Nanoscale Research Letters

These hydrogels, on the other hand, because of their amphiphilic properties, could overcome this pivotal problem without the use organic solvents which are known to be dangerous for paper samples, as well as being potentially harmful for the operator.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pivotal problem" when you want to emphasize that solving the specific issue is crucial for further progress or success. This wording signals that addressing this problem is not just important, but potentially game-changing.

Common error

Avoid using "a pivotal problem" for minor issues. Reserve it for situations where resolving the problem truly has a significant and widespread impact. Overusing it can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pivotal problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "pivotal" modifies the noun "problem". It identifies a specific issue as being of critical importance or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pivotal problem" effectively underscores the critical nature of an issue and its significant impact on future progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and appears in diverse fields such as science, news, and academia, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "a crucial issue" or "a key challenge" exist, "a pivotal problem" emphasizes the transformative potential of addressing the specific issue. It's essential to reserve its use for truly significant problems to maintain its impact and credibility. With its neutral to formal register, the phrase is best suited for contexts where the severity and implications of the problem need to be clearly communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial issue

Substitutes "pivotal" with "crucial", emphasizing the importance and decisiveness of the problem.

a key challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing it as an obstacle to overcome rather than a difficulty to solve.

a central concern

Focuses on the problem being a main point of worry or interest.

a fundamental question

Frames the problem as a question that underlies other issues.

a critical obstacle

Highlights the obstructive nature of the problem and its significance.

a decisive factor

Shifts the focus to the problem's influence on outcomes and decisions.

a significant hurdle

Portrays the problem as a barrier that needs to be addressed.

a major difficulty

Emphasizes the considerable amount of trouble caused by the problem.

an essential consideration

Highlights that the problem must be carefully thought about.

a primary issue

Simple substitution of "pivotal" with "primary", indicating the problem is a main point.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pivotal problem" to highlight a crucial issue that needs to be addressed. For example, "Identifying the root cause of low employee morale is "a pivotal problem" for the company's overall success."

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

Alternatives include "a crucial issue", "a key challenge", or "a central concern", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a pivotal problem"?

It's appropriate to use "a pivotal problem" when the issue at hand is fundamentally important, and resolving it will have a significant positive impact on the situation. Ensure it's not a minor issue, but something truly central.

What makes "a pivotal problem" different from "a major problem"?

"A pivotal problem" implies that solving the problem will unlock further progress or change the direction of events. While "a major problem" is significant, it doesn't necessarily suggest the same transformative potential.