a terrible problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "a terrible problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult, serious, or troubling issue. For example: The refugee crisis is a terrible problem that needs to be addressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a terrible problem.

The New York Times

The goose situation is a terrible problem.

The New York Times

I feel they've a terrible problem.

The Guardian - Books

MR. JEFFREY -- Yes, it's a terrible problem.

The New York Times

People always cite high divorce rates as a terrible problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was becoming a terrible problem for me.

The New York Times - Style

"It's true it's a terrible problem nationally," Ms. Pinzler said.

The New York Times

Second, the C.I.A. has a terrible problem with quality control.

The New York Times

Its a terrible problem for the Russians in Eastern Europe, not to mention Afghanistan.

University of California, Berkeley

Vincent said: "Bill once told me: 'I have a terrible problem with authority.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a crisis, it's a terrible problem," Commissioner Ramsey of Philadelphia said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "terrible" with a more specific adjective (e.g., "urgent", "complex", "widespread") to provide a more nuanced understanding of the problem's characteristics.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "terrible" without detailing the specifics of the problem. Offer concrete examples or explanations to justify the severity of the situation and prevent the phrase from sounding like hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible problem" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or issue. It combines the indefinite article "a", the adjective "terrible", and the noun "problem" to denote something significantly negative or difficult. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible problem" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a significantly negative or difficult situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and business settings. While effective, it’s important to provide specific details about the problem to avoid vagueness. Consider using more descriptive adjectives to enhance clarity and impact. Remember to contextualize the severity of the problem with supporting evidence or explanations. While versatile, always aim to provide adequate context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious issue

Emphasizes the gravity of the matter, focusing on its consequences.

a grave concern

Highlights the worrying aspect of the situation.

a significant challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and effort required to overcome the problem.

a major difficulty

Points to the substantial obstacles posed by the problem.

a dire situation

Suggests a sense of urgency and potential danger.

a critical matter

Stresses the importance and urgency of addressing the issue.

a pressing concern

Highlights the need for immediate attention and action.

a worrying trend

Emphasizes a pattern of negative development.

a problematic situation

Indicates the presence of issues and complications.

an unfortunate predicament

Focuses on the negative and unfavorable circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrible problem" to describe a situation that is causing significant distress or difficulty. For example, "The lack of affordable housing is "a terrible problem" in many cities".

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

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "a serious issue", "a grave concern", or "a significant challenge".

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "a terrible problem"?

While "a terrible problem" is acceptable, being more specific can often improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "the environment faces "a terrible problem"", you could say "the environment faces "severe pollution"".

How do I emphasize the severity of "a terrible problem"?

To emphasize the severity, provide specific details and consequences related to the problem. For instance, "The economic crisis is "a terrible problem", leading to widespread job losses and poverty".