a social problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a social problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues that affect society and require collective action or attention. Example: "Poverty is often considered a significant social problem that impacts many communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a social problem.

The New Yorker

Is it a social problem?

The New York Times

It is something of a social problem.

The New Yorker

Now this has become a social problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not just a social problem.

The Guardian

As a social problem, poverty has been transformed.

The Economist

"To start with it is a social problem.

The Guardian

"It's a social problem, not a security problem.

The Guardian

Or they are trying to solve a social problem.

The Guardian

Long-term unemployment was becoming evident as a social problem.

Harvard Business Review

That is a social problem for the years ahead.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, consider specifying the theoretical framework used to analyze the "a social problem", adding depth and rigor to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a social problem" without providing specific context. Instead of stating "Technology is a social problem", clarify which aspects of technology pose a problem, such as "Technology's impact on social isolation is a social problem".

Linguistic Context

A social problem functions as a noun phrase identifying issues that affect communities or societies. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, framing discussions around challenges requiring collective attention. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a social problem" is a commonly used phrase that accurately describes an issue affecting society, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When writing, ensure you provide specific context to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives such as ""a social issue"" or ""a societal problem"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Always aim for clarity and precision when discussing "a social problem" to promote effective communication and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a social issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", indicating a matter of public concern.

a societal problem

Substitutes "social" with "societal", emphasizing the problem's broad impact on society.

a community concern

Replaces "social problem" with a phrase indicating worry within a specific community.

a social dilemma

Substitutes "problem" with "dilemma", suggesting a difficult choice or situation.

a social challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing the issue as something to be overcome.

a societal ill

Replaces "problem" with "ill", emphasizing the negative and harmful nature of the issue.

a public concern

Replaces "social problem" with a broader term highlighting general public worry.

a community problem

Focuses the problem on a specific community rather than society at large.

a social injustice

Replaces "problem" with "injustice", framing the issue in terms of fairness and equity.

a problem in society

Rephrases "a social problem" to highlight that the issue exists within society.

FAQs

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

You can use "a social problem" to describe issues that affect a community or society. For example, "Poverty is a widespread social problem that requires comprehensive solutions".

What are some alternatives to "a social problem"?

Some alternatives include "a social issue", "a societal problem", or "a community concern", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a social issue" or "a social problem"?

Both terms are often used interchangeably, but ""a social issue"" might be preferred when discussing a matter that is still being debated, while "a social problem" implies a more established negative impact.

Can "a social problem" also be considered a health problem?

Yes, certain social problems can have significant health implications. For instance, lack of access to healthcare can be viewed as both "a social problem" and a health problem because it affects public health outcomes.