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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a substantial problem for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a substantial problem for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or challenge that significantly affects someone or something. Example: "The lack of funding has become a substantial problem for the development of the new project."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(12)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
21 human-written examples
The recovery of the otters proved not to be a substantial problem for the Navy.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
Methyl mercury, the toxic form, even poses a substantial problem for the Arctic, she said, because it can accumulate in polar bears and seals.
News & Media
"Discrimination continues to be a substantial problem for too many job seekers and workers, and we must continue to build our capacity to enforce the laws that ensure that workplaces are free of unlawful bias," the commission's chairwoman, Jacqueline A. Berrien, said in a statement.
News & Media
If it proves to be a substantial problem for the company, it could burst Google's bubble as well as the rest of the Internet ad business.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
38 human-written examples
While the targeted approach has produced some notable successes, such as for chronic myelogenous leukemia, the development of resistance is a substantial problem, particularly for more advanced (and hence complex) cancers (Daley 2003; Bunn 2007).
In our study, health personnel confirmed that this still is a substantial problem in Afghanistan, for example, serious complications may be interpreted as the woman being possessed by evil spirits.
Science
In conclusion, this study suggests that adherence is a substantial problem in patients hospitalized for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who are discharged on second-generation antipsychotics.
Science
While attempts to reduce repressive police practices, some of which have been supported by the Global Fund, have made some progress, this remains a substantial problem highlighting the need for more sustained advocacy programmes at all levels, including training police officers to work more sensitively with IDUs.
Science
Second, the absence of non-trivial timing signatures for significant parts of both datasets may pose a substantial problem if data is used for detailed timing (or causal) analysis.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "a substantial problem for", ensure that the context clearly defines who or what is being affected by the problem. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.
Common error
Avoid using "a substantial problem for" when the issue is minor or easily resolved. Overstating the significance can undermine your credibility.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a substantial problem for" functions primarily as a description of a significant issue that negatively impacts a person, group, or entity. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often serves as a predicate nominative, identifying the nature of the subject.
Frequent in
Science
32%
News & Media
32%
Wiki
9%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "a substantial problem for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a significant issue affecting someone or something. Ludwig confirms its usability across various contexts. While often found in news, scientific, and formal settings, its meaning is universally understood. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly define what is being affected. Alternatives such as "a significant challenge for" or "a major issue for" can provide variety. However, it's crucial to avoid overstating the issue's impact to maintain credibility.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a significant challenge for
Replaces "problem" with "challenge", suggesting difficulty but also potential for overcoming.
a major issue for
Substitutes "substantial" with "major" and "problem" with "issue", implying a large and important concern.
a considerable difficulty for
Replaces "substantial" with "considerable" and "problem" with "difficulty", conveying a noteworthy degree of hardship.
a serious concern for
Substitutes "problem" with "concern", highlighting the gravity of the situation and its impact.
a critical obstacle for
Replaces "problem" with "obstacle", emphasizing a barrier that hinders progress.
a notable impediment to
Uses more formal language, replacing "problem" with "impediment" and "for" with "to", indicating something that hinders progress.
a key constraint on
Substitutes "problem" with "constraint" and "for" with "on", highlighting a limitation that restricts possibilities.
a grave setback for
Replaces "problem" with "setback", indicating a reversal or hindrance to progress.
a formidable hurdle for
Substitutes "problem" with "hurdle", suggesting a significant obstacle that must be overcome.
a tricky proposition for
This alternative lightens the register and conveys the idea that the problem makes something a risky bet or undertaking.
FAQs
How can I use "a substantial problem for" in a sentence?
You can use "a substantial problem for" to describe a significant issue affecting something, such as, "The lack of funding is "a substantial problem for" the project's completion."
What are some alternatives to saying "a substantial problem for"?
Alternatives include phrases like "a significant challenge for", "a major issue for", or "a serious concern for", depending on the specific context.
Is it appropriate to use "a substantial problem for" in formal writing?
Yes, "a substantial problem for" is appropriate in formal writing as it clearly and directly communicates the significance of an issue. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise and impactful wording.
How does "a substantial problem for" differ from "a minor inconvenience for"?
"A substantial problem for" indicates a significant negative impact, while "a minor inconvenience for" suggests a slight and easily manageable difficulty. The choice depends on the actual severity of the issue.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested