a recurring problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"a recurring problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing an issue or difficulty that keeps happening over and over again. Here is an example: "It was a recurring problem in their relationship, as every time they tried to communicate, they would end up arguing instead of resolving their differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many say it is a recurring problem.

The New York Times

A recurring problem is finding proper ingredients.

The New Yorker

Was there a recurring problem?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It seems it's been a recurring problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Names: one example illustrates a recurring problem.

Harvard University

But "X" has been a recurring problem with this child.

The New York Times

A recurring problem is large-scale employee theft.

The New Yorker

The shortage of single men is a recurring problem.

The New York Times

This is a recurring problem in "The Romantics".

The New York Times - Books

Despite the religious strictures, gonorrhea was a recurring problem.

The New Yorker

Low brightness is a recurring problem for color electronic paper.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a recurring problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is causing the problem to recur. Providing specific details adds clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a recurring problem" without specifying the exact nature of the issue. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken your argument. Always clearly define the recurring problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a recurring problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly identifies a situation or issue that appears repeatedly. Its function is to name an issue or difficulty that keeps happening.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a recurring problem" is a versatile phrase used to describe issues that appear repeatedly. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and used across numerous contexts. It functions as a noun phrase and has a neutral register, making it appropriate for various formal and informal communications. Remember to clearly identify the specific nature of the problem to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Alternatives like "a persistent issue" or "an ongoing concern" can provide subtle differences in emphasis. With its frequent use in reputable sources like the New York Times and The Guardian, mastering this phrase can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent issue

Replaces "recurring" with "persistent", emphasizing the continuous nature of the problem.

a chronic difficulty

Uses "chronic" to suggest a long-lasting and potentially worsening problem.

a repeated challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing the issue as something to be overcome, and "recurring" with "repeated".

a common obstacle

Replaces "recurring" with "common", indicating frequent occurrence, and "problem" with "obstacle", framing the issue as a hindrance.

an ongoing concern

Uses "ongoing" to highlight the continuous nature and "concern" to express worry about the problem.

a familiar struggle

Emphasizes the experience of dealing with the problem, using "familiar" and "struggle".

a regular setback

Frames the problem as a hindrance to progress, using "regular" and "setback".

a perennial headache

Uses a metaphorical term, "headache", to describe the problem as annoying and persistent and "perennial" instead of "recurring".

a consistent failing

Emphasizes the aspect of failure or shortcoming, using "consistent" and "failing".

an oft-repeated pitfall

Replaces both "recurring" and "problem" to add vividness to the sentence

FAQs

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

You can use "a recurring problem" to describe an issue that happens repeatedly. For example, "The company's low sales figures are "a recurring problem" despite various marketing efforts".

What are some alternatives to "a recurring problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a persistent issue", "a chronic difficulty", or "an ongoing concern" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "recurring problem" or "reoccurring problem"?

"Recurring problem" is the more commonly accepted spelling and usage. "Reoccurring problem" is less frequent, though understandable. It's generally better to stick with "a recurring problem".

What's the difference between "a recurring problem" and "a one-time issue"?

"A recurring problem" indicates an issue that happens multiple times, suggesting a pattern or underlying cause. In contrast, "a one-time issue" refers to a problem that happened only once and is not expected to repeat. One is chronic and the other is isolated.