age-old problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'age-old problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a problem or situation that has existed for a long time or for many generations. For example, "The lack of access to clean drinking water is an age-old problem in many developing countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's the same age-old problem.

The New York Times - Sports

This poses an age-old problem.

The Guardian - Music

It's an age-old problem when marketing comedies.

The Guardian - Film

How to combat the age-old problem of ageism in Hollywood?

The Guardian - Film

Misinterpretation is an age-old problem, making data open does not create that problem.

The Guardian

"This is an age-old problem," said Joseph Lubrano, the Brooklyn postmaster.

The New York Times

It's an age-old problem that seemingly remains unaffected by economic meltdown or climate change.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first step to ending this age-old problem is fairly simple: a bit more information.

The New Yorker

These apps also help solve the age-old problem of refusals.

The New York Times

This mismatch between demand and supply is an age-old problem in commodity markets.

The Economist

(Picture book; ages 3 to 5) It's an age-old problem: Two children, one ball.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "age-old problem", consider briefly mentioning the historical context or longevity of the issue to emphasize its significance.

Common error

While "age-old problem" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Variety in your vocabulary can make your writing more engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "age-old problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "age-old" modifies the noun "problem". According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used in English to denote a problem that has existed for a long time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Sport

4%

Lifestyle

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "age-old problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe issues that have persisted for a long time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and appears across various contexts such as News & Media. While versatile, it is advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "long-standing issue" or "perennial problem" for richer expression. This phrase effectively communicates the enduring nature of a problem, adding historical depth to discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-standing issue

Focuses on the duration of the issue.

perennial problem

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the problem.

enduring challenge

Highlights the difficulty and persistence required to address the issue.

historical difficulty

Places the problem in a historical context.

deep-rooted issue

Suggests the problem is firmly established and difficult to change.

time-honored problem

Implies the problem is so old it's almost traditional.

chronic issue

Highlights the persistent and often recurring nature of the problem.

traditional struggle

Emphasizes the customary and long-faced nature of the struggle.

established difficulty

Focuses on the fact that the problem is well established.

recurring obstacle

Highlights the fact that the obstacle returns over and over.

FAQs

How can I use "age-old problem" in a sentence?

You can use "age-old problem" to describe a problem that has existed for a very long time. For example, "Finding a balance between economic growth and environmental protection is an "age-old problem"".

What are some alternatives to "age-old problem"?

Some alternatives to "age-old problem" include "long-standing issue", "perennial problem", or "enduring challenge". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "ancient age-old problem"?

Yes, using "ancient" before "age-old problem" is typically redundant because "age-old" already implies great antiquity. Consider using just ""age-old problem"" for conciseness.

What's the difference between "age-old problem" and "perennial issue"?

While both describe long-lasting problems, ""age-old problem"" emphasizes the problem's existence across generations, while "perennial issue" focuses on its recurring nature. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.