a problem to overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

"a problem to overcome" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or obstacle that needs to be overcome in a specific situation or context. Example: "After months of planning, the team finally encountered a problem to overcome - the sudden shortage of essential materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But even General Clark acknowledges he has a problem to overcome with women.

The New York Times

YOurcan follow her on Twitter @taylynneduvall.

Huffington Post

A problem to overcome in this analysis was the potential confounding effect of energetic status in the cases.

Environmental Health Perspectives

There is, however, a problem to overcome when this map is used to estimate the position of a moving object: the slow speed with which photoreceptors convert light into an electrical signal causes RGCs to respond ∼70 ms after an object first appears (Baylor and Hodgkin, 1974).

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We have a big problem to overcome.

The New York Times

Third, each candidate has a critical problem to overcome.

The New York Times

A bigger problem to overcome may be public skepticism of corporations fed by scandals, such as the collapse of Enron and indictment of its auditor, Arthur Andersen.

The New York Times

The water management is a critical problem to overcome in the PEM fuel cell technology.

Ciência & Tecnologia dos Materiais

A major problem to overcome in drug design is the ability of the compound in question to cross the BBB.

Biophysical Journal

A common problem to overcome in most VANET applications is the low reliability of the network, caused in many cases, by the highly variable topology of the mobile ad hoc network.

European Transport Research Review

Its main applications are in media surveys, where they are used to integrate consumption data with audience data, and in National Statistical Institutes, where reducing the increasing burden generated by official statistics is a difficult problem to overcome.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a problem to overcome", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of the problem and the proposed solution or strategy. This provides context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a problem to overcome" without specifying the exact nature of the problem. Vague statements can leave the reader confused and unsure of what needs to be addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a problem to overcome" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a challenge or obstacle requiring resolution. As stated by Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a problem to overcome" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a challenge that requires resolution. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used in the English language and can be applied to describe obstacles that one needs to surmount. It is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts such as news articles, scientific research, and business communications. When using this phrase, clarity is essential; it should be followed by a precise description of the problem and its potential solutions. Alternatives like "a challenge to surmount" or "an obstacle to conquer" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenge to surmount

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and "overcome" with "surmount", suggesting a test of one's abilities.

an obstacle to conquer

Substitutes "problem" with "obstacle" and "overcome" with "conquer", implying a more forceful approach.

a difficulty to resolve

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty" and "overcome" with "resolve", focusing on finding a solution.

an issue to tackle

Substitutes "problem" with "issue" and "overcome" with "tackle", suggesting direct engagement.

a hurdle to clear

Replaces "problem" with "hurdle" and "overcome" with "clear", implying a need to jump over an obstacle.

a setback to handle

Substitutes "problem" with "setback" and "overcome" with "handle", focusing on managing an adverse situation.

a snag to iron out

Replaces "problem" with "snag" and "overcome" with "iron out", suggesting smoothing out a minor issue.

a stumbling block to bypass

Substitutes "problem" with "stumbling block" and "overcome" with "bypass", implying avoiding the issue.

an impediment to address

Replaces "problem" with "impediment" and "overcome" with "address", suggesting dealing with a hindrance.

a challenge to face

Replaces "problem to overcome" with "challenge to face" , simplifying the phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "a problem to overcome" in a sentence?

You can use "a problem to overcome" to introduce a challenge or obstacle that needs to be addressed. For example, "The main "hurdle to overcome" was securing sufficient funding for the project." or "The team faced "issue to tackle" due to the unexpected equipment failure".

What is a more formal way to say "a problem to overcome"?

More formal alternatives include "a challenge to surmount", "an obstacle to conquer", or "a difficulty to resolve". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it redundant to say "a problem to overcome"?

While "overcome" implies addressing a problem, the phrase isn't necessarily redundant. It emphasizes the need for active resolution and can add clarity in certain contexts. You may also use "difficulty to resolve".

Which is better, "a problem to overcome" or "a problem to solve"?

Both phrases are valid, but "a problem to overcome" suggests a more significant challenge that requires effort and persistence, while "a problem to solve" implies finding a solution through analysis or ingenuity. You may also use "issue to tackle".