a raft of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"a raft of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a large number of complicated challenges. For example, "The company was facing a raft of problems as it tried to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Taking over all of these stations from a failed business had introduced a raft of problems.

The New Yorker

Those who were switched to the new network early on faced a raft of problems.

The New York Times - Tech

But as they dig into the details, they realize they are facing a raft of problems.

The New York Times

Ginseng combats a raft of problems, from flu, diabetes and Alzheimer's to male impotence and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Guardian

This change, by itself, would eliminate a raft of problems posed by the risk-weighted Basel approach.

The New York Times

And academic studies have found a raft of problems to be associated with a decline of local journalism, as The Columbia Journalism Review has detailed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Simply swapping one engine for another does nothing to solve a raft of other problems.

The Guardian

Bank of America reported an $8.8 billion loss, after taking a $20 billion hit to clean up a raft of mortgage problems.

The New York Times

As he takes over as acting chief executive of CBS Inc., Laurence A. Tisch is facing a raft of nettlesome problems that have rocked the company for the last two years.

The New York Times

Mr. Adamec left behind a confused note blaming the state of the world, contemporary Czech society and a raft of personal problems.

The New York Times

During the years-long legal drama that followed — a time Mr. Thompson spent in an isolation cell 23 hours a day — a raft of evidentiary problems emerged.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a raft of problems" when you want to emphasize the sheer number of issues, not necessarily their severity. If severity is key, choose stronger terms.

Common error

Avoid using "a raft of problems" without specifying the problems. If you don't detail them, your writing lacks impact and leaves the reader guessing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a raft of problems" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a large number of complicated challenges. It's used to describe situations burdened by numerous issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a raft of problems" is a commonly used phrase to describe a large number of complex difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When employing this phrase, it's best to provide context and specify the nature of the problems to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "a multitude of issues" or "a host of difficulties" can be used for variety, while "a sea of troubles" suggests a more overwhelming and emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of issues

Replaces "raft" with "multitude", indicating a large quantity but can sound slightly more formal.

a host of difficulties

Substitutes "problems" with "difficulties", which is a more general term for challenging situations. "Host" also replaces "raft" to describe many issues.

a series of challenges

Replaces both "raft" and "problems" with "series" and "challenges", focusing on the aspect of overcoming obstacles rather than just having them.

an array of complications

Replaces "raft" with "array" and "problems" with "complications", suggesting a structured or diverse set of issues.

a mountain of troubles

Uses "mountain" for emphasis, indicating the problems are overwhelming or significant.

a heap of predicaments

Replaces "problems" with "predicaments", suggesting difficult or unpleasant situations.

a bucketload of worries

Uses the informal "bucketload" and "worries", making the phrase less formal.

a swarm of adversities

Replaces "problems" with "adversities", suggesting active opposition or hardship. Also, swarm is used instead of raft.

endless tribulations

Focuses on continuous suffering or distress; more dramatic than "a raft of problems".

several matters of concern

A more formal and reserved way to express the presence of problems, suitable for professional contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a raft of problems" in a sentence?

You can use "a raft of problems" to indicate that someone or something is facing many difficulties. For example, "The new company inherited "a raft of problems" from the previous management".

What are some alternatives to saying "a raft of problems"?

Alternatives include "a multitude of issues", "a host of difficulties", or "a series of challenges", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a raft of problem" instead of "a raft of problems"?

No, "a raft of problems" is the correct plural form. The phrase implies multiple issues, so the plural "problems" should be used.

What is the difference between "a raft of problems" and "a sea of troubles"?

"A raft of problems" refers to many specific issues, while "a sea of troubles" suggests an overwhelming and continuous state of difficulty. The latter is more metaphorical and emphasizes the emotional impact.