a timely problem

USAGE SUMMARY

'a timely problem' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It should be used when describing a problem that needs to be addressed in a timely manner in order to avoid further issues. For example, "The budget shortfall is a timely problem that must be addressed quickly in order to prevent further financial complications.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That is to say, it may be highly strategic for a foundation to partially spend down its endowment now to solve a timely problem, leaving a smaller foundation to exist in perpetuity.

Huffington Post

The insights presented in this article point towards a new, theoretically well-founded way to construct and refine energy functions, and thus address a timely problem.

Plosone

Finally, in Experimental Application III, we used SWISS to compare two different gene expression technologies: NextGen sequencing and microarrays, a timely problem with few obvious existing methods in the literature.

Plosone

This is a timely problem affecting the future fate of a large fraction of arid and semiarid habitats.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is a potentially interesting study that combines a variety of approaches to study a challenging and timely problem: how allostery can modulate the polymerization dynamics of biologically important polymers.

eLife

These hires could ensure Facebook has enough staff to tackle its problems in a timely manner before problems spread.

TechCrunch

Conservatives then went about the hard, heroic work of applying timeless principles to timely problems to pivot from purges to persuasion, from protest to reform.

Huffington Post

Opportunities are a timely and systematic problem detection and continuity of care.

BMC Geriatrics

A timely and accurate problem list should improve patient safety, an important and timely issue that has received substantial attention since the 1999 Institute of Medicine report [ 85].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

It's a problem that necessitates human-moderation and enough human moderators to review user reports in a timely fashion so that problem content can be identified accurately and removed promptly — in other words, the opposite of what appears to have happened in this instance.

TechCrunch

Security concerns alone dictate that we must employ all of our resources to find a timely solution to this problem, and to keep any mention of it out of the press.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a timely problem", ensure the context clearly indicates why the problem requires immediate or specific attention. Provide the rationale for its time-sensitivity.

Common error

Avoid using "a timely problem" as a generic descriptor. Always ensure that the problem genuinely benefits from immediate action or is specifically relevant to the current moment. Using 'timely' without a clear connection to time-sensitivity weakens the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a timely problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "timely" modifies "problem", indicating that the problem requires attention or resolution within a specific timeframe. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is a correct and usable construct in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a timely problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an issue that demands immediate or specific attention due to its relevance within a particular timeframe. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears appropriately in diverse contexts such as science, news, and business. When employing this phrase, ensure you articulate the reasons for its time-sensitivity to maximize its impact. Consider alternatives like "an urgent issue" or "a pressing concern" to fine-tune the meaning as necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an urgent issue

Emphasizes the need for immediate action due to the problem's pressing nature.

a time-sensitive matter

Emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to resolve the issue.

a pressing concern

Highlights the importance and weight of the problem demanding attention.

an immediate difficulty

Highlights the urgency of addressing the problem without delay.

a relevant challenge

Focuses on the problem's pertinence to the current situation or context.

an opportune moment for resolution

Suggests that the current circumstances are particularly well-suited to solving the problem.

a critical predicament

Conveys the seriousness and potentially negative consequences of the problem.

a current dilemma

Indicates that the problem is happening now and requires a decision.

a strategically important obstacle

Highlights the problem's impact on achieving strategic goals.

a crucial juncture

Focuses on the point in time when the problem must be addressed to avoid negative outcomes.

FAQs

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

Use "a timely problem" to describe an issue that requires immediate attention or is particularly relevant at the current moment. For example, "The lack of funding is "a timely problem" that needs to be addressed before the project falls behind schedule."

What are some alternatives to "a timely problem"?

You can use alternatives such as "an urgent issue", "a pressing concern", or "a relevant challenge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very timely problem"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" can be redundant if the context already implies urgency. Consider whether ""a timely problem"" is sufficient or if additional emphasis is necessary.

When is it appropriate to use "a timely problem" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when discussing issues that have a clear connection to a specific timeframe or require immediate action. Be sure to justify the urgency to maintain credibility.