a problem of scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a problem of scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues that arise due to the size or extent of something, often in contexts like economics, environmental science, or project management. Example: "The city is facing a problem of scale when it comes to managing its growing population and infrastructure needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's a problem of scale.

The Guardian - Film

This may be a sign of the times, and a problem of scale.

The New York Times

It's a problem of scale: rules that work for industry don't always make sense for home or local production.

The New Yorker

Partly, it's a problem of scale: Pullman's 1,300 pages have to be condensed to manageable proportions.

The Guardian

For example, he knows that individual crafters face a problem of scale: there is only so much one person can produce.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chereau's absence locally has been in part a problem of scale; his landmark opera productions, notably a 1976 "Ring," would have been too expensive to import.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Their enormous promise has been marred by a problem of scaling up to human subjects.

Current Opinion in Immunology

Individual nations, even the US, cannot and should not be expected to meet a problem of this scale and danger by themselves," he told The Independent on Sunday.

Independent

Dominic Phillips Fake news is not a problem of any scale in Australia: the media market, dominated by a handful of key players serving a population of just over 21 million people, does not seem fragmented enough.

The Guardian

At the same time, Aftergood told me, the overclassification of information is a problem of increasing scale — one that harms not only citizens, who should be able to have access to government records, but the system of classification itself.

The New Yorker

"It just seemed particularly blatant that a problem of this scale is going on at sites that are government owned," said a United States Embassy official who works on the issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize the context: tailor your language to the situation, ensuring clarity for your audience. Avoid jargon unless you're writing for experts in a specialized field.

Common error

Don't assume that "a problem of scale" is solely about size; consider the systemic issues and underlying factors contributing to the problem. Addressing only the scale without tackling the root causes may lead to temporary solutions or unintended consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a problem of scale" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, often specifying the nature of a challenge or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a problem of scale" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe challenges arising from the size or scope of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While "uncommon" in overall frequency, it appears most often in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the emphasis truly lies on the magnitude of the problem and that underlying causes are not overlooked. Alternatives like "a scaling issue" or "an issue of magnitude" can provide similar meaning. Be mindful of the context and choose the phrase that best conveys the nuance of the challenge you are addressing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scaling issue

Focuses specifically on the challenges related to increasing or decreasing size or production.

an issue of magnitude

Emphasizes the large or significant extent of the problem.

a question of size

Highlights the dimensions as the primary factor of concern.

challenges related to scale

Directly addresses the difficulties associated with managing the size of something.

the size-related challenge

Specifically identifies that the challenge stems from physical dimensions.

proportionality problem

Centers on the balance and relationship between different elements.

extent-based difficulty

Refers to difficulties derived from the reach or scope of something.

scope-related obstacles

Indicates that the obstacles are due to the breadth or range of something.

size constraints

Highlights limitations or restrictions imposed by physical dimensions.

economy of scale issues

Refers to the financial advantages or disadvantages arising from production size.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a problem of scale" in a sentence?

Use "a problem of scale" when you want to emphasize that the magnitude or scope of an issue is a significant contributing factor. For instance, "The project faces "a problem of scale" due to its extensive geographical reach".

What are some alternative ways to express "a problem of scale"?

You can use phrases like "a scaling issue", "an issue of magnitude", or "challenges related to scale" to convey similar meanings, depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "a problem of scale"?

It's appropriate when discussing challenges directly related to the size or extent of something, such as in business growth, environmental impact, urban planning, or resource management. It helps to highlight that the problem's scope is a key element.

Is "a problem of scale" formal or informal?

"A problem of scale" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might consider more specific alternatives like "an issue of magnitude" or a more detailed explanation of the challenge.