a problem that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a problem that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a problem that is relevant to the topic of a discussion or when you are referring to a problem that was previously mentioned. For example, "The issue of climate change is a problem that affects us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a problem that needs addressing.

The New Yorker

There is a problem that needs fixing.

The Guardian

It's a problem that goes beyond terrorism.

The New York Times

This is a problem that predates Bibi.

The Guardian - Opinion

Probably a problem that needs fixing fast.

The New York Times

It's a problem that goes way beyond housing.

University of California, Berkeley

It is not a problem that is tractable to policy.

Harvard University

It is a problem that meets us in everyday life.

Stanford University

Was there a problem that had to be solved?

Yale University

It becomes a problem that is not just about me.

University of California, Berkeley

It's a problem that knows no economic boundaries.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a problem that", ensure that the clause following "that" clearly defines or elaborates on the nature of the problem being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a problem that" with overly general or unclear descriptions. Always specify what makes it a problem. For instance, instead of saying "It's a problem that exists", specify "It's a problem that hinders progress" or "It's a problem that affects many people."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a problem that" functions as a relative clause, introducing a problem and providing further information about it. Ludwig shows this phrase is used across various domains to highlight an issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

33%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a problem that" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for introducing and elaborating on issues in various contexts. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness. While alternatives like "an issue that" or "a challenge that" exist, ensure clarity when defining the problem. This phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to avoid vague problem definitions for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an issue that

Replaces "problem" with the synonym "issue".

a challenge that

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", emphasizing the difficulty.

a difficulty that

Employs "difficulty" in place of "problem", highlighting the struggle involved.

a concern that

Uses "concern" instead of "problem", focusing on worry or anxiety.

a matter that

Replaces "problem" with "matter", suggesting something to be dealt with.

a predicament that

Substitutes "problem" with "predicament", indicating a difficult or unpleasant situation.

a situation that

Uses "situation" instead of "problem", referring to a set of circumstances.

a drawback that

Replaces "problem" with "drawback", focusing on the negative aspect.

an obstacle that

Substitutes "problem" with "obstacle", highlighting something that blocks progress.

a snag that

Uses "snag" instead of "problem", denoting a small or unexpected difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "a problem that" to introduce a specific issue or difficulty, followed by a clause that describes or explains it further. For example, "Climate change is "a problem that" requires immediate action".

What are some alternatives to "a problem that"?

You can use alternatives like "an issue that", "a challenge that", or "a difficulty that" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the problem that" instead of "a problem that"?

Both "a problem that" and "the problem that" can be correct, but they have different meanings. "A problem that" refers to one of many possible problems, while "the problem that" refers to a specific, already identified problem. Context determines which is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a problem that" and "a problem which"?

The phrases "a problem that" and "a problem which" are often interchangeable. "That" is generally preferred in modern English because it is less formal. "Which" is still grammatically correct but more common in formal writing.