a small problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small problem" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "He thought he was facing a small problem but quickly found out it was much bigger than he anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not a small problem.

The New York Times

Alas, there was a small problem.

The Economist

They may encounter a small problem.

The New York Times

It's a small problem for Silva.

The Guardian - Sport

But there was a small problem.

The New York Times - Tech

And it's not a small problem.

MIT Technology Review

Hank, meanwhile, is having a small problem.

The New York Times

And therein lies a small problem.

The Telegraph

Now there is a small problem with that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So much for "a small problem," Mr. Tobias thought.

The New York Times

A misshapen body is a small problem compared with death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small problem" to downplay a situation or to introduce a challenge that is not expected to be significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a small problem" when the issue is actually complex or has far-reaching consequences. Misrepresenting the scale of the problem can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It identifies an issue of limited scope or impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small problem" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe a minor issue. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the issue genuinely warrants being described as small to maintain credibility. While acceptable in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives for added nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor issue

Replaces 'problem' with 'issue', suggesting a less formal context.

a slight difficulty

Substitutes 'small' with 'slight' and 'problem' with 'difficulty', emphasizing the ease of resolution.

a trivial matter

Indicates the problem is unimportant or easily overlooked.

a manageable setback

Highlights the problem's impact as a temporary delay that can be overcome.

a little hiccup

Uses a more colloquial term for a minor disruption.

a passing snag

Implies the problem is temporary and easily resolved.

a minor inconvenience

Focuses on the problem as causing slight disruption or annoyance.

a negligible concern

Downplays the significance of the problem, suggesting it's hardly worth attention.

a readily solvable issue

Highlights that the problem can be solved immediately.

a glitch

Informal term for a small malfunction or error.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small problem" to describe a minor issue or challenge, for example, "We encountered "a small problem" during the project, but we were able to resolve it quickly."

What are some alternative phrases for "a small problem"?

Some alternatives include "a minor issue", "a slight difficulty", or "a trivial matter", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a small problem" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise or nuanced language like "a manageable setback" or "a minor inconvenience" if greater specificity is required.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a small problem"?

Avoid using "a small problem" if the issue is genuinely significant or complex. Using the phrase in such situations can be misleading or dismissive, and it's better to accurately reflect the true scope of the issue.