an acute problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an acute problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem that is serious, intense, or requires immediate attention. Example: "The organization is facing an acute problem with its funding, which needs to be addressed urgently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an acute problem in Richmond.

The New Yorker

"This is an acute problem for the government".

The New York Times

All of this poses an acute problem for John Kerry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Venereal disease was an acute problem under the tsars.

The New York Times - Science

"In South Africa, it's really such an acute problem".

The New York Times

It is an acute problem for frontier markets.

The Economist

"This is an acute problem that is becoming a crisis," Ms. Posny said.

The New York Times

North Korea's weapons pose an acute problem that must be dealt with on its own terms.

The New York Times

There are 80 million women in Nigeria, but gender disparity is an acute problem.

The Guardian

London has an acute problem with NO2, possibly the worst in the world.

The Guardian

This poses an acute problem for developing countries, even very big ones like China and India.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an acute problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates the problem's severity and the need for immediate attention. For example, in medical or emergency contexts, this phrase is particularly fitting.

Common error

Avoid using "an acute problem" for minor or easily resolvable issues. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for simpler terms like "issue" or "difficulty" when the situation isn't truly critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an acute problem" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of issue. It indicates that the problem is not only serious but also requires prompt attention. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an acute problem" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While it is generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overusing it in non-critical situations. Alternatives such as "a pressing concern" or "a severe issue" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a severe issue

Replaces "acute" with "severe", emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.

a pressing concern

Focuses on the urgency of the problem by using "pressing" instead of "acute".

a critical challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", highlighting the difficulty it presents.

a serious difficulty

Replaces "acute" with "serious" and "problem" with "difficulty", both synonyms.

a grave situation

Uses "grave" to amplify the severity and "situation" to broaden the context.

an urgent matter

Shifts focus to the immediacy and importance, replacing "problem" with "matter".

a significant crisis

Emphasizes the scale and potential consequences, with "crisis" replacing "problem".

a thorny issue

Introduces the metaphor of a "thorny issue", implying complexity and difficulty.

a complex predicament

Highlights the intricacy of the problem and the difficult circumstances it creates.

a dire emergency

Emphasizes the urgency and danger, with "dire" and "emergency" increasing the intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "an acute problem" in a sentence?

You can use "an acute problem" to describe a situation that is severe and requires immediate attention. For example, "The company is facing "an acute problem" with its supply chain."

What phrases can I use instead of "an acute problem"?

Alternatives include "a pressing concern", "a severe issue", or "a critical challenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very acute problem"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" with "acute" can be redundant, as "acute" already implies a high degree of severity. Consider using just ""an acute problem"" for conciseness.

What's the difference between "an acute problem" and "a chronic problem"?

"An acute problem" refers to a sudden, severe issue that requires immediate attention, while "a chronic problem" describes a long-term, persistent issue.