a substantial problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue that is significant or considerable in nature. Example: "The company is facing a substantial problem with its supply chain that needs immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It could become a substantial problem," he said.

The New York Times

What is less clear is whether the trade imbalance will prove to be a substantial problem.

The New York Times

The recovery of the otters proved not to be a substantial problem for the Navy.

The New York Times - Science

Fraud is a substantial problem, and the attitude toward it has changed little over the years, other editors say.

The New York Times - Health

From a global perspective, right now we are building up a huge problem in the west with our net debt and this is a substantial problem for development.

The Guardian

Because of the high cost of so many films, many studios have been eager to thwart film piracy, which is a substantial problem for American films in Asia.

The New York Times

Methyl mercury, the toxic form, even poses a substantial problem for the Arctic, she said, because it can accumulate in polar bears and seals.

The New York Times

"She has undergone recent surgery and is in the middle of a rehabilitation period for a substantial problem, though a problem she can recover from.

Independent

"It's a substantial problem," Botstein recognized.

Science Magazine

Neurological complications of paediatric cancers are a substantial problem.

Insights into Imaging

Low patient adherence is a substantial problem in therapy.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial problem", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the nature and scope of the problem. Avoid vague references without supporting details.

Common error

Be cautious not to exaggerate the severity of the situation. If the problem is not genuinely significant, using "a substantial problem" can sound hyperbolic. Instead, opt for more moderate phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "problem", indicating a significant or considerable issue. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various domains. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, signaling issues needing attention. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the specific nature of the problem to avoid vagueness. While interchangeable with phrases like "a significant issue" or "a major challenge", be mindful of potential overstatements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant issue

Replaces "problem" with a more neutral term, while "significant" maintains the emphasis on importance.

a major challenge

Frames the problem as an obstacle to overcome, highlighting the difficulty involved.

a serious concern

Emphasizes the worrying aspect of the problem, focusing on potential negative consequences.

a considerable difficulty

Uses "difficulty" as a synonym for "problem" and "considerable" to convey the significant scale.

a critical matter

Highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the problem.

a grave situation

Implies that the problem is very serious and potentially dangerous.

a pressing issue

Focuses on the urgency and the need for immediate action.

a weighty concern

Uses "weighty" to emphasize the importance and impact of the concern.

a prominent difficulty

Highlights that the problem is easily noticeable and hard to ignore.

a notable issue

Suggests that the problem is worthy of attention and mention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial problem" to describe a significant issue that needs attention. For example, "The company is facing "a substantial problem" with employee retention."

What are some alternatives to saying "a substantial problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant issue", "a major challenge", or "a serious concern" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a substantial problem"?

Yes, "a substantial problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a significant issue.

What's the difference between "a substantial problem" and "a minor issue"?

"A substantial problem" refers to a significant and impactful issue, while "a minor issue" describes a less important or less impactful concern.