a political problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a political problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or challenges that are related to politics or governance. Example: "The country is facing a significant political problem that requires immediate attention from its leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a political problem.

The Economist

"There's a political problem," he says.

The New Yorker

There is also a political problem.

The Economist

"The problem is a political problem.

The New York Times - Sports

But here there is a political problem.

Independent

This is a political problem.

Yale University

They have a political problem.

The Guardian - Money

You have a political problem".

The New York Times

There is a political problem".

The Guardian

It wasn't a political problem".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This is just a... political problem".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a political problem", ensure that the context clearly defines which aspect of politics is relevant to the problem being discussed. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing issues to being "a political problem" when they are fundamentally economic, social, or technical in nature. Inaccurate labeling can lead to ineffective solutions. For example, labeling a technological infrastructure gap as "a political problem" might prevent engineers and scientists to solve it efficiently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a political problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show that it serves to identify and categorize a situation as one originating from or heavily influenced by political factors. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a political problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to identify an issue stemming from political factors. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use is appropriate across various contexts, primarily within news media, academic discussions, and formal business settings. Understanding the nuances of this phrase—and not confusing it with other types of problems—is crucial for clear and effective communication. Be sure to consider a host of alternatives like "a governmental challenge", "a policy dilemma", or "an issue of governance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A political obstacle

Replaces "problem" with "obstacle" to emphasize the hindering nature of the political situation.

A governmental challenge

Replaces "political" with "governmental" to emphasize the role of government in the problem.

A question of politics

Frames the problem as a question or debate within the realm of politics.

A policy dilemma

Substitutes "problem" with "dilemma" to highlight the difficult choice between different policies.

A civic challenge

Emphasizes the challenge aspect and connects it to civic or public duties and rights.

An issue of governance

Rephrases the problem as a matter of how things are governed.

A governance crisis

Uses "crisis" to stress the severity and urgency of the problem related to governance.

A matter of state

Elevates the problem to a high level of importance, concerning the state itself.

A systemic political fault

Highlights that problem is at the system level, not isolated and emphasize that the problem is a fault in the political arena.

A legislative hurdle

Highlights the legislative aspect of the problem, implying it needs to be addressed through laws.

FAQs

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

You can use "a political problem" to describe a situation where the root cause or the potential solutions are primarily related to political decisions, policies, or power dynamics. For example: "The ongoing conflict is fundamentally "a political problem", requiring diplomatic solutions rather than military intervention."

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

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "a governmental challenge", "a policy dilemma", or "an issue of governance".

Is it always accurate to describe an issue as "a political problem"?

No, it's important to accurately diagnose the nature of the problem. If the core issue is economic or social, labeling it as "a political problem" may lead to misdirected efforts and ineffective solutions. Ensure the problem truly stems from political causes before using the phrase.

What's the difference between "a political problem" and "a social problem"?

"A political problem" typically involves issues related to governance, policy, and power, while "a social problem" arises from societal factors like inequality, discrimination, or public health. While they can be interconnected, their primary drivers and solutions differ.