a string of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of issues or difficulties that are connected or occurring in succession. Example: "The project faced a string of problems, including budget overruns and scheduling conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The fight was the latest in a string of problems for Sidney.

The New York Times - Sports

The Dreamliner has experienced a string of problems with its electrical systems in recent weeks.

The New York Times

Joint Base Lewis-McChord has come under scrutiny because of a string of problems in recent years.

The New York Times

The alliance said it uncovered a string of problems in a survey of 4,450 workers at nine Indonesian factories.

The New York Times

The accident is the latest in a string of problems, including environmental disasters, that Petrobras has had to answer for.

The New York Times

The French company has faced a string of problems recently as it sought to expand throughout the Continent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This is the latest in a string of health problems that Ms Fernández has suffered.

The Economist

Strawberry has had a string of legal problems since the late 1980's.

The New York Times - Sports

Having over-reached in Asia and with a string of domestic problems, China needs Mr Obama to keep the world stable.

The Economist

The strike vote is the latest in a string of union problems the Korean automaker has faced over the last two years.

The New York Times

Ten days ago, a leaked draft EFA report on Wakefield City Academies Trust (WCAT) reportedly identified a string of leadership problems.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of problems", ensure the problems are related or connected in some way to maintain coherence. If the problems are unrelated, consider using a more general term like "several issues".

Common error

While acceptable, "a string of problems" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "lots of issues" or "many problems" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of problems" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It serves to identify a sequence of difficulties, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a string of problems" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a series of related difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use in formal, neutral, and even some informal contexts, though simpler alternatives might be preferable in very casual settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with a notable presence in formal business communications. When using this phrase, ensure the problems are logically connected to maintain coherence. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive, so consider alternatives like "a series of issues" or "a succession of difficulties" to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of issues

Replaces "string" with "series", offering a more neutral tone.

a succession of difficulties

Substitutes "problems" with "difficulties", emphasizing the challenging nature of the events.

a chain of events

Focuses on the sequential aspect, highlighting how one event leads to another.

a run of bad luck

Implies misfortune as the cause of the problems, adding a layer of subjective interpretation.

a wave of troubles

Uses "wave" to convey a sense of overwhelming issues arriving at once.

a plague of setbacks

Emphasizes the negative impact and widespread nature of the problems.

a cascade of errors

Suggests a rapid and escalating series of mistakes.

a host of complications

Highlights the complexity and entanglement of the issues.

a cluster of predicaments

Conveys a group of challenging or awkward situations.

a concatenation of crises

Uses more formal language to describe a linked series of critical situations.

FAQs

What does "a string of problems" mean?

The phrase "a string of problems" refers to a series or succession of related or connected issues or difficulties that occur one after another.

What can I say instead of "a string of problems"?

You can use alternatives like "a series of issues", "a succession of difficulties", or "a chain of events" depending on the specific context.

Is "a string of problems" formal or informal?

"A string of problems" is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts, such as news reports, business communications, and academic writing. In very informal settings, simpler phrases might be preferred.

How to use "a string of problems" in a sentence?

You can use "a string of problems" to describe a sequence of related difficulties: "The company faced "a string of problems" with its new product launch."