a useful problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a problem that has practical significance or can lead to beneficial outcomes when solved. Example: "Identifying a useful problem in the project can help us focus our efforts on finding effective solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The American College of Radiology (ACR) stated that MRI is a useful problem-solving tool in the evaluation of pelvic pain in pregnant women and, when available, MR is preferred to CT because it does not employ ionizing radiation.

Insights into Imaging

In the setting presented herein, MRI is recommended as a useful problem-solving modality to investigate disorders of the urinary bladder, prostate and seminal vesicles after inconclusive sonographic and CT findings, or as a first-line examination in younger patients [4, 5, 6].

Insights into Imaging

The systems approach increasingly is considered a useful problem-solving framework to deal with large and complex issues.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Be open to doing a self-assessment, which could be a useful problem-solving tool.

WikiHow

She sees herself as a "practical problem-solver"—a useful person in a place with plenty of problems.

The Economist

Secretin-enhanced MRCP improves duct distension and has been described as a potentially useful problem-solving tool in the diagnosis of AIP.

Insights into Imaging

But Joe Biden -- who early in the Obama administration was supposed to be a lot of things for the president but not an alternative foreign policy czar -- is turning out to be a very useful problem-solving tool for the president on the international stage.

Huffington Post

The graphical interpretation suggests a number of useful problem-solving techniques.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Holding up a mirror to the creative industries, Designs of the Year is an annual barometer of the design world's preoccupations, anxieties and dreams – as well as a reminder of its conscience, with a welcome emphasis on useful problem-solving, rather than luxury sofas.

The Guardian - Arts

But make no mistake, it's a tax and it results in more expensive ironing boards.And I think he draws a useful conclusion:The problem for me is that with unemployment at nearly 10 percent and projected by the Powers That Be to stay above 8 percent for years it's really hard for anyone to say with a straight face that if the factory closes down the employees will be able to find new jobs.

The Economist

Thus, this idea provides us a useful tool to study some problems, which have outcomes in a poset.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a useful problem", ensure the context clearly indicates how the problem can lead to beneficial outcomes or solutions.

Common error

Avoid labeling a problem as "a useful problem" before its potential benefits are clearly identified or understood. Ensure there's a logical connection between the problem and its possible positive outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "useful" modifies the noun "problem". This construction highlights the potential benefit or value derived from addressing a particular problem.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a useful problem" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that characterizes a problem as having potential benefits or value. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, though usage examples are currently limited. Alternative phrases such as "a beneficial challenge" or "a productive issue" can provide similar meanings. When using the phrase, emphasize the positive outcomes that can result from solving the problem. Keep in mind that not all problems are inherently useful; make sure it has a logical connection to benefits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beneficial challenge

Replaces 'useful' with 'beneficial' and 'problem' with 'challenge', implying a problem that leads to positive outcomes.

a productive issue

Substitutes 'useful' with 'productive' and 'problem' with 'issue', suggesting a problem that yields positive results.

a valuable difficulty

Replaces 'useful' with 'valuable' and 'problem' with 'difficulty', emphasizing the worth of the problem despite its challenging nature.

a constructive dilemma

Substitutes 'useful' with 'constructive' and 'problem' with 'dilemma', suggesting that the problem can lead to positive development.

an advantageous setback

Replaces 'useful' with 'advantageous' and 'problem' with 'setback', which means an issue that leads to positive results

a helpful complication

Replaces 'useful' with 'helpful' and 'problem' with 'complication', indicating a problem that contributes to a solution or understanding.

a strategic obstacle

Replaces 'useful' with 'strategic' and 'problem' with 'obstacle', pointing to a problem that requires careful planning and execution.

a worthwhile predicament

Replaces 'useful' with 'worthwhile' and 'problem' with 'predicament', which means a problem that is important

a practical quandary

Replaces 'useful' with 'practical' and 'problem' with 'quandary', meaning that the problem is realistic

a meaningful challenge

Replaces 'useful' with 'meaningful' and 'problem' with 'challenge', meaning that the challenge is significant

FAQs

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

The phrase "a useful problem" is used to describe a problem that, when solved, leads to valuable insights, innovations, or improvements. For example, identifying "a beneficial challenge" in the current system can drive meaningful progress.

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

Alternatives include "a productive issue", "a valuable difficulty", or "a constructive dilemma". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts might "a useful problem" be applied?

The phrase "a useful problem" can be applied in various contexts, such as research and development, strategic planning, and problem-solving methodologies, where identifying the right problem is crucial for innovation.

What makes a problem "useful"?

A problem is "useful" if addressing it leads to significant learning, innovation, or improvement. It's a problem that, despite its challenges, offers "an advantageous setback" and positive results upon resolution.