an enormous problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an enormous problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant issue or challenge that requires attention or resolution. Example: "The company is facing an enormous problem with its supply chain that needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We have an enormous problem.

The New York Times

That's an enormous problem".

The New Yorker

"It's an enormous problem.

The New York Times

Such deficiency diseases remain an enormous problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The courts themselves remain an enormous problem.

The New York Times

My hair is an enormous problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I do think there is an enormous problem of oversight.

The New York Times

No matter what it's called, however, it's an enormous problem.

The New York Times

Early and forced marriage is still an enormous problem".

The Guardian

He says: Urgent care is an enormous problem.

The Guardian

"It is a disproportionately modest response to an enormous problem".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an enormous problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the scale and impact of the issue you are describing. Provide specific details to justify the use of "enormous".

Common error

Avoid using "an enormous problem" to describe minor inconveniences or easily resolvable issues. Using strong language inappropriately can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an enormous problem" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and characterizes a particular issue or situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a significant issue or challenge that requires attention. The adjective "enormous" intensifies the noun "problem", emphasizing its large scale and impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an enormous problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant and impactful issue. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the scale and urgency of the problem. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, as well as Scientific and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase is suitable for neutral to formal communication. When using the phrase, ensure that the magnitude of the problem is well-supported by context. Alternatives like "a significant challenge" or "a major issue" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", softening the negative connotation while maintaining the sense of scale.

a major issue

Substitutes "enormous" with "major", offering a slightly less emphatic alternative.

a substantial difficulty

Replaces both "enormous" and "problem" with synonyms, conveying a more formal tone.

a considerable hurdle

Emphasizes the obstacle-like nature of the problem, using "hurdle" as a metaphor.

a grave concern

Highlights the seriousness and potential consequences of the problem.

a daunting task

Focuses on the difficulty and intimidating nature of addressing the problem.

a critical obstacle

Emphasizes the importance of overcoming the problem to achieve a goal.

a massive predicament

Uses "massive" to underscore the scale of the issue, while "predicament" suggests a difficult situation.

a large-scale crisis

Frames the problem as a crisis affecting a wide scope.

a fundamental flaw

Points to a deep-seated issue that underlies other problems.

FAQs

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

Use "an enormous problem" to describe a situation that poses a significant challenge and has widespread implications. For example, "Climate change is "an enormous problem" facing the world today".

What are some alternatives to "an enormous problem"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant challenge", "a major issue", or "a substantial difficulty" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "a huge problem" the same as "an enormous problem"?

While both phrases convey the idea of a large problem, "an enormous problem" often suggests a more overwhelming or complex issue than "a huge problem". They are largely interchangeable, but "enormous" emphasizes scale.

When is it appropriate to use "an enormous problem" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "an enormous problem" when you want to emphasize the substantial scale, impact, and complexity of an issue. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such strong language.