an avalanche of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an avalanche of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where many problems arise simultaneously or in quick succession. Example: "After the merger, the company faced an avalanche of problems, including staffing issues and financial discrepancies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Athens is suffocating under an avalanche of problems and NGOs are overwhelmed.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, instead of the occasional obstacle at work, we are often buried in an avalanche of problems.

Harvard Business Review

Even without criminal charges against players, the incident is the latest in an avalanche of problems for the basketball program.

The New York Times - Sports

The New York City Board of Elections met last night to review what officials described as an avalanche of problems confronting board officials as they move to arrange a new election.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

However, there was a whole avalanche of problems that accumulated and, thereby, caused the crowd disaster.

EPJ Data Science

Still, as worries mount about whether the supply of antibiotics will meet the demand of an anxious public, these questions are being raised: Does an avalanche of information about a problem quell panic or create it?

The New York Times

In 1969, the New York Times reported that an "avalanche of waste and waste disposal problems is building up around the nation's major cities in an impending emergency that may parallel the existing crises in air and water," elevating garbage to the level of the major environmental concerns of the day.

The Guardian

His campaign pledge from 2008 to reach out to America's enemies and speak to any foreign leader without preconditions, reiterated in his speech at Cairo's al-Azhar university in 2009 when he pledged a new relationship with Muslims, has floundered on the rocks of the Arab spring, the continuing war on terror, and beneath an avalanche of domestic and global economic problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an era of an avalanche of increasing bacterial resistance and severe problems in treating bacterial infections, the application of liposomal antibiotic carriers could be useful, but the high cost of liposome preparation and treatment should also be considered.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Development of an avalanche of effective therapies has brought its own problems.

The New York Times - Science

Instead, the economic problem was defined as pampered, unionised workers, a view further entrenched by an avalanche of free-market economics from the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an avalanche of problems", ensure the context clearly establishes a situation of being overwhelmed by numerous issues. It's best suited for describing scenarios where multiple problems arise simultaneously or in rapid succession.

Common error

Avoid using "an avalanche of problems" to describe minor inconveniences. The phrase implies a severe and overwhelming situation; using it for trivial issues diminishes its impact and can sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an avalanche of problems" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a situation characterized by a large, overwhelming number of difficulties or issues. It suggests a scenario where problems accumulate rapidly and create a sense of being inundated. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an avalanche of problems" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation where numerous difficulties arise simultaneously, creating a sense of being overwhelmed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various writing contexts. While the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation warrants the intensity it conveys, as overusing it in trivial situations can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives such as "a series of challenges" or "a multitude of issues" for less severe scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A multitude of issues

Replaces "avalanche" with "multitude", focusing on the numerous aspect of the problems.

A deluge of troubles

Substitutes "avalanche" with "deluge" and "problems" with "troubles", maintaining the sense of being overwhelmed.

A cascade of difficulties

Replaces "avalanche" with "cascade" and "problems" with "difficulties", highlighting the sequential nature of the issues.

A host of challenges

Uses "host" to indicate a large number and replaces "problems" with "challenges", softening the negative connotation.

A mountain of setbacks

Employs "mountain" to convey the overwhelming quantity of setbacks.

A wave of complications

Uses "wave" to describe a sudden and large influx of complications.

A series of crises

Focuses on the critical nature of the problems by using "crises".

A swarm of difficulties

Replaces "avalanche" with "swarm", emphasizing the overwhelming and often irritating nature of the problems.

A cluster of predicaments

Uses "cluster" to indicate a group and replaces "problems" with "predicaments", suggesting difficult or unpleasant situations.

A plethora of concerns

Substitutes "avalanche" with "plethora" and "problems" with "concerns", focusing on the worrying aspect of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "an avalanche of problems" in a sentence?

You can use "an avalanche of problems" to describe a situation where someone is facing many issues at the same time. For example: "After the company's restructuring, they faced "an avalanche of problems" including low employee morale and decreased productivity."

What's a less intense way to say "an avalanche of problems"?

If you want to express a similar sentiment without the intensity, you could use phrases like "a series of challenges" or "a number of difficulties". These alternatives convey the presence of multiple issues without implying being completely overwhelmed.

Is it correct to use "an avalanche of problem" instead of "an avalanche of problems"?

No, it's incorrect. "Avalanche" refers to a mass of something, so it should be followed by a plural noun. The correct phrase is "an avalanche of problems", not "an avalanche of problem".

Which is more appropriate, "a few problems" or "an avalanche of problems"?

The choice depends on the magnitude of the situation. "A few problems" indicates a small number of issues, while ""an avalanche of problems"" describes a large, overwhelming number. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the severity of the situation.