a problem of ours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a problem of ours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the problem being discussed is shared or relevant to the speaker and their group. Example: "We need to address a problem of ours that has been affecting our productivity lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Complacency has been a problem of ours," Lakers guard Derek Fisher acknowledged today.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Second is a problem of credibility.

The Economist

The second is a problem of perception.

The Economist

A problem of population density, maybe?

Independent

There is a problem of attitudes, too.

The Economist

So it's a problem of perspective.

Independent

There is also a problem of perception.

The New York Times

It's a problem of national reconciliation.

The New Yorker

Nor is it a problem of imagination.

The New Yorker

A Problem of Incentives.

Forbes

"It's also a problem of uncertainty.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a problem of ours" when you want to emphasize that an issue affects you and a specific group you belong to, creating a sense of shared responsibility or concern. This can strengthen team cohesion.

Common error

Avoid using "a problem of ours" too frequently in your writing, as it can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using phrases like "our shared challenge" or "an issue we face" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a problem of ours" functions as a noun phrase identifying a difficulty or challenge that is experienced collectively. It acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence, indicating a shared issue.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a problem of ours" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a shared difficulty or concern, as Ludwig AI confirms. While accurate, its occurrence is relatively rare, mainly appearing in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, emphasize the sense of shared responsibility and consider varying your language to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "a shared problem" or "an issue for us" offer similar meanings. Although valid, be mindful of overusing this possessive structure in your writing for best clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenge we face

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and uses a more direct possessive pronoun, indicating a difficulty the speaker and their group must overcome.

an issue for us

Substitutes "problem" with "issue" and uses "for us" to denote relevance or concern to the speaker and their group.

a difficulty we have

Employs "difficulty" in place of "problem", emphasizing the hardship experienced by the speaker and their group.

a concern of ours

Replaces "problem" with "concern", highlighting the worry or anxiety the speaker and their group feel about something.

a snag we're facing

Uses the informal term "snag" to mean a small problem or difficulty, suggesting a more casual tone.

a predicament we're in

Employs "predicament" to describe a difficult or unpleasant situation, implying a more serious or complicated problem.

a common obstacle

Focuses on the shared nature of the obstacle, suggesting it is something that many people face.

a shared setback

Highlights that the problem is a setback or reversal that affects the speaker and their group collectively.

an impediment to our progress

Specifies that the problem hinders advancement or development, providing more context about its effect.

a hurdle we must overcome

Frames the problem as a challenge that needs to be addressed and conquered in order to move forward.

FAQs

How can I use "a problem of ours" in a sentence?

"A problem of ours" is used to indicate that an issue is shared among a group. For example: "Complacency has been "a problem of ours"," as stated by Lakers guard Derek Fisher.

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

You can use alternatives like "a shared problem", "an issue for us", or "a difficulty we have" depending on the context.

Is "a problem of ours" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a problem of ours" is grammatically correct. The structure uses the possessive pronoun 'ours' correctly to indicate that the problem belongs to or affects a group to which the speaker belongs.

What is the difference between "a problem of ours" and "our problem"?

"A problem of ours" suggests one of multiple problems that affect the group, while "our problem" might imply the only problem, or the most significant one, that the group faces. "Our problem" can also be more encompassing and central to the group's identity or current situation.