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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 universal problem in
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a universal problem in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that affects a wide range of people or situations across different contexts or locations. Example: "Climate change is a universal problem in today's world that requires immediate action from all nations."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
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
8 human-written examples
That's a universal problem, in fact.
News & Media
This is a universal problem in many systems.
A universal problem in a certain complexity class can simulate any other problem in that class.
Science
That was where Captricity chief executive Kuang Chen was doing research on data science applications and first confronted what remains a universal problem in both developing and developed countries — a profusion of paperwork.
News & Media
Nonattendance (failure to attend clinic appointments) is a universal problem in the management of pediatric clinics.
Science
Since how to manage the health and other needs of older people is a universal problem in ageing societies, the results reported here are expected to be of general interest, not just in the UK.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
I needed to invent a moment where he was trying to solve a universal problem -- in this case, his own mortality".
News & Media
But it doesn't really matter where I was because, from what I can tell, what I experienced yesterday is a universal problem, as in Universal Church.
News & Media
Lapses in the reliable communication of abnormal test results, for example, is a universal problem, even in systems with advanced electronic medical records.
Science
Because violence against children is a universal problem, investing in protecting children from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation must be a global priority.
Formal & Business
Because violence against children is a universal problem, investing in protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse must be a global priority.
Formal & Business
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a universal problem in", ensure the context clearly indicates the domain or area where the problem is prevalent. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "a universal problem in" when the issue is only prevalent in specific regions or contexts. Overstating the scope can weaken your argument and reduce credibility.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a universal problem in" functions as a descriptor, specifically identifying and categorizing an issue or challenge as being widespread or globally relevant within a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it's appropriate for describing issues impacting many areas.
Frequent in
Science
43%
News & Media
43%
Formal & Business
14%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a universal problem in" is a descriptor used to identify issues of global significance within a given context. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and usable phrase, though caution is advised to ensure the described problem truly warrants such a broad designation. Predominantly appearing in scientific, news, and business contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to formal tone. Consider alternatives like "a widespread issue in" or "a global concern in" if a more nuanced description is required.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a widespread issue in
Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "universal" with "widespread", suggesting broad but not necessarily global impact.
a common challenge in
Substitutes "problem" with "challenge" and "universal" with "common", framing it as a difficulty faced by many.
a global concern in
Replaces "problem" with "concern" and "universal" with "global", emphasizing the worldwide nature of the issue.
a pervasive difficulty in
Uses "pervasive difficulty" to highlight the widespread and persistent nature of the problem.
a ubiquitous issue in
Replaces "universal" with "ubiquitous" to stress the commonness and widespread presence of the issue.
an international challenge in
Focuses on the worldwide scope of the challenge.
a widespread phenomenon in
Highlights the widespread nature of the occurrence rather than framing it as negative.
a general difficulty in
Presents the matter as a broad but not necessarily global difficulty.
a recurring issue in
Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the issue.
a frequent obstacle in
Highlights that this is a very common obstacle.
FAQs
How can I use "a universal problem in" in a sentence?
You can use "a universal problem in" to describe an issue that affects many different areas or people worldwide. For example, "Climate change is "a universal problem in" environmental policy and requires global cooperation".
What are some alternatives to saying "a universal problem in"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a widespread issue in", "a global concern in", or "a common challenge in".
Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a universal problem in"?
No, ensure the issue truly has a global or near-global impact before using this phrase. If the issue is limited to specific regions or groups, a more specific description is more accurate.
What makes a problem "universal"?
A problem is considered "universal" if it affects people across different cultures, regions, and societies. It implies that the issue is widespread and not limited to a specific context.
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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
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested