a routine problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a routine problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem that occurs regularly or is expected as part of a normal process. Example: "The team encountered a routine problem during the project, which they were able to resolve quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is a routine problem for anyone taking part in even the most innocuous forms of dissent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finding formulas for positive solutions to the equations and systems in the boundary cases is a routine problem, so not of theoretical interest nowadays.

Advances in Difference Equations

A routine problem is that electricity supply cannot be maintained during peak hours, resulting in frequent power shutdown (load shedding) of 13 14 h in urban areas, and 16 19 h in rural areas.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

An elevator shutdown was a fairly routine problem: The electrical control panel in the rooftop motor room sensed an electrical overload and shut down power in response.

The New York Times

Scheduling production optimally in multistage multiproduct plants with nonidentical parallel units is a very difficult but routine problem that has received limited attention.

Chemical Engineering Science

As the Philadelphia patient, who is a friend of mine, found, care in an emergency department for a routine medical problem can result in unnecessary hospitalization, tests and procedures that may even complicate a patient's medical problem.

The New York Times

To go through this would be hard enough if you had a routine medical problem, but to our patients it feels like purgatory.

The Guardian

Although the tests were negative, the insurer refused to pay the bills because, it said, a brief episode of a routine gynecological problem in her past qualified as a pre-existing condition.

Huffington Post

For example, FFS physicians may over-examine patients with a routine health problem such as a cold or earache by systematically conducting unnecessary full examinations.

BMC Family Practice

However, KM may also have a nature, knowledge inertia (KI), stemming from the use of routine problem solving procedures, stagnant knowledge sources, and following past experience or knowledge.

Expert Systems with Applications

Some screening centers put metal detectors in front of M.R.I. rooms to address the routine problem of patients' forgetting to remove metal objects before entering.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a routine problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the problem is indeed common and expected. This helps avoid misinterpretations and provides clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a routine problem" when describing a situation with significant consequences or requiring specialized intervention. Doing so might downplay the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a routine problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its usability, showing its role in describing common or expected issues.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a routine problem" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It denotes an issue that is common, expected, and not particularly complex. While the phrase is relatively rare, it finds applications across various domains, including news, science, and potentially formal business settings. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its function as a noun phrase with a neutral register, suitable for describing recurring issues without implying extraordinary difficulty or unexpectedness. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its intended meaning to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical problem

Replaces 'routine' with 'typical', indicating a common occurrence.

a common problem

Substitutes 'routine' with 'common', highlighting the frequent nature of the problem.

a standard problem

Replaces 'routine' with 'standard', suggesting that the problem is expected and well-defined.

an everyday problem

Substitutes 'routine' with 'everyday', emphasizing the ordinariness of the problem.

a regular issue

Uses 'regular' instead of 'routine' and 'issue' instead of 'problem', providing a slight variation in wording.

a normal problem

Replaces 'routine' with 'normal', indicating that the problem is not unusual.

a familiar problem

Substitutes 'routine' with 'familiar', highlighting the well-known nature of the problem.

a usual issue

Similar to 'a regular issue', but uses 'usual' instead of 'regular'.

a predictable problem

Replaces 'routine' with 'predictable', indicating that the problem can be anticipated.

a run-of-the-mill problem

Substitutes 'routine' with 'run-of-the-mill', emphasizing the ordinariness and lack of uniqueness of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a routine problem" to describe an issue that is common and expected. For example, "Dealing with software glitches is "a routine problem" for IT departments".

What are some alternatives to "a routine problem"?

Alternatives include "a common problem", "a typical problem", or "a standard problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a routine problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "a routine problem" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing recurring or expected issues in a professional or academic context. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids downplaying the problem's significance if it has serious implications.

What's the difference between "a routine problem" and "a complex problem"?

"A routine problem" refers to an issue that is common and easily addressed with standard procedures. In contrast, "a complex problem" involves intricate factors and requires specialized knowledge and in-depth analysis to resolve.