a well-known problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"a well-known problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a situation that is widely recognized or understood. For example, "The inefficient use of resources is a well-known problem in many countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a slick approach to a well-known problem.

MIT Technology Review

This bureaucratic tangle is a well-known problem.

The Economist

The deterioration of iron-based materials due to corrosion is a well-known problem.

Electrochimica Acta

The risk of infection and biofilm formation on implant surfaces is a well-known problem.

Electrochimica Acta

The network design is a well-known problem, both of practical and theoretical significance.

Applied Soft Computing

Furthermore, identifying the appropriate model structure is a well-known problem in the field of statistics.

Computers & Operations Research

This is a well-known problem with Yttria-tetragonal-zirconia-polycrystal basedenturespartial dentures.

Dental Materials

Latency on the Internet is a well-known problem for interactive applications.

Computer Networks

"British Hospitals Struggle to Limit 'Superbug' Infections" (news article, Aug. 14) reports a well-known problem afflicting British hospitals.

The New York Times

External circular crack in an infinite body is a well-known problem for three-dimensional elasticity theory.

Engineering Fracture Mechanics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, oxygen depletion during PDT is a well known problem.

Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a well-known problem", provide context or specific details to enhance clarity. Instead of just stating the phrase, briefly explain the problem or its effects to give your audience a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a well-known problem" as a generic filler. Always ensure that the problem you're referencing is genuinely well-known to your target audience, or provide enough background information to make it clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a well-known problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig highlights its use in identifying and acknowledging issues that are widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a well-known problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for identifying widely recognized issues. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While effective, it's important to provide specific details when using this phrase to avoid vagueness and ensure your audience understands the particular problem you're addressing. Alternatives like "a recognized issue" or "a common challenge" can be used to subtly shift the focus, but it depends on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recognized issue

Replaces "well-known" with "recognized", focusing on acknowledgement rather than familiarity.

a common challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing it as something to be overcome rather than a mere difficulty and replace well-known for common.

a prevalent concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern", highlighting the anxiety or worry associated with the issue; prevalent means widely existing or occurring

a widespread difficulty

Emphasizes the extent of the problem, suggesting it affects many people or areas; widespread indicates extensive reach or influence.

a familiar obstacle

Frames the problem as something hindering progress; familiar indicates previous knowledge or experience with the obstacle.

an established issue

Highlights the long-standing nature of the problem; established suggests it has been around for a while.

a notorious difficulty

Draws attention to the negative reputation of the problem; notorious implies it is widely known for undesirable qualities.

a recognized dilemma

Replaces the word problem with dilemma, framing the subject as a situation with two solutions.

a classic predicament

Implies the problem is a typical or recurring situation. "Classic" and "predicament" add slightly more drama.

a typical setback

Replaces "problem" with "setback", softening the negativity and suggesting a temporary hindrance to progress. "Typical" emphasizes its common occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "a well-known problem" in a sentence?

You can use "a well-known problem" to introduce a topic that is widely recognized, such as, "Climate change is "a well-known problem" that requires immediate action".

What are some alternatives to saying "a well-known problem"?

Alternatives to "a well-known problem" include "a recognized issue", "a common challenge", or "a prevalent concern". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a well-known problem" or "a known problem"?

"A well-known problem" emphasizes that the issue is widely recognized, while "a known problem" simply indicates that it is recognized to some extent. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the widespread awareness of the issue.

What's the difference between "a well-known problem" and "an emerging problem"?

"A well-known problem" refers to an issue that has been recognized for some time, while "an emerging problem" indicates a new or recently recognized issue. The former has established awareness, while the latter is just beginning to gain recognition.