an ancillary problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ancillary problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a secondary or supplementary issue that is related to a primary problem. Example: "While the main issue is the budget, we also need to address an ancillary problem related to resource allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Then, tube-based MPC solves two optimal control problems, a standard problem for the nominal system to define a central guide path, and an ancillary problem to steer the state vector towards the central path with semi-optimal control effort.

Acta Astronautica

The controller solves two optimal control problems, one which solves a standard problem for the nominal system to define a central guide path, and an ancillary problem to steer the states towards the central path despite the uncertainties and disturbances.

Aerospace Science and Technology

Now for an ancillary problem attached to Wilson's glitch.

Huffington Post

"It is not an ancillary problem that is perhaps going to solve itself, but something that really needs to lead the discussion, at least from the environmental side of things, as we think about future development".

Huffington Post

(An ancillary problem: the lead dogs on the college-football beat who earn promotions for catching sophomores smoking pot).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The three workplace stories (Table 3) are quite different in context, even though they share some themes: the first comes from a person who works directly in a helping profession, the second from someone who works in a context where clients have ancillary problems, while the last example comes from someone who was carrying out work experience.

BMC Psychiatry

The losses, though, have exacerbated the ancillary problems, placing them under a magnifying glass.

The New York Times - Sports

But he's made things a bit worse for himself by trying to take advantage of the crisis to tackle ancillary problems and drive moderates into the other camp.

The New York Times

Like Alonso, Button failed to set a time as the McLaren was stranded in the pits with what the team said were "ancillary problems".

BBC

Why go after an ancillary infection?

The New York Times - Science

Whitewater rafters might slide a stream as an ancillary activity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ancillary problem" when you want to highlight a secondary issue that stems from a primary one, providing context without overshadowing the main concern.

Common error

Avoid dedicating excessive attention to the "ancillary problem" in your writing, especially if the main issue is more critical. Ensure that the focus remains on the primary concern, and the ancillary aspect serves only to provide additional context or detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ancillary problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "ancillary" modifies "problem". As seen in Ludwig, it typically identifies a secondary or subordinate issue that is related to a main or primary problem.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ancillary problem" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a secondary or subordinate issue related to a primary concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally acceptable and appropriate for various contexts, particularly science and news media. While not extremely frequent, it serves to provide additional context or detail without overshadowing the main subject. When using this phrase, ensure that you maintain focus on the primary issue to avoid misrepresenting the significance of the ancillary one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a secondary issue

Replaces "ancillary" with "secondary", focusing on the issue's lower importance.

a related issue

Emphasizes the connection between the problem and a main issue.

a subordinate problem

Highlights the hierarchical relationship, indicating lower priority.

a supplementary issue

Focuses on the idea that the problem adds to the main concern.

a minor complication

Downplays the significance of the problem.

an attendant difficulty

Emphasizes that the difficulty accompanies a primary issue.

a side concern

Highlights that the problem is peripheral to the central issue.

a tangential matter

Suggests the problem is only loosely connected to the main subject.

a peripheral challenge

Indicates the challenge exists on the edges of the primary focus.

an associated snag

Implies the problem is a hindrance linked to a main project or concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "an ancillary problem" to refer to a secondary or related issue that arises in connection with a main problem. For example: "While the budget shortfall is the main issue, "an ancillary problem" is the lack of staff training."

What's a good alternative to "an ancillary problem"?

Alternatives include "a secondary issue", "a related problem", or "a minor complication", depending on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to place on the issue.

Is it correct to use "an ancillary problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "an ancillary problem" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts where you need to precisely identify a secondary issue that is connected to a primary one. It's often used in academic, scientific, and professional settings.

What is the difference between "an ancillary problem" and "a primary problem"?

"An ancillary problem" refers to a secondary or supporting issue, while "a primary problem" refers to the main or most important issue. The ancillary problem is related to, but less significant than, the primary problem.