an even bigger problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an even bigger problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue that is larger or more significant than a previously mentioned problem. Example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, the lack of communication among team members is an even bigger problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Defaults may be an even bigger problem.

The Economist

Frieden himself represents an even bigger problem.

The New Yorker

But, really, there's an even bigger problem.

The New York Times

Illness was an even bigger problem.

The Guardian - Business

And now an even bigger problem: books.

The Guardian - Opinion

And I'll tell you, that produces an even bigger problem.

The New Yorker

But an even bigger problem is teaching to the test.

The New York Times

And the increases could become an even bigger problem overseas.

The New York Times

But such short-term measures ignore an even bigger problem.

The Guardian

The quality of state provision is an even bigger problem than its quantity.

The Economist

Cuban economic migrants stepping across the border from Mexico will become an even bigger problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an even bigger problem", ensure the initial problem has been clearly defined. This provides context and amplifies the significance of the subsequent, larger issue.

Common error

Avoid using "an even bigger problem" when the initial problem is minor. Overstating the issue can diminish your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an even bigger problem" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, serving to introduce and emphasize a problem of greater magnitude than one previously mentioned. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to highlight the escalation or increased severity of an issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an even bigger problem" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to emphasize a more significant issue. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, clearly define the initial problem to provide context and avoid overstating the problem, which can diminish your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a still greater issue

Emphasizes the magnitude of the problem by using 'greater' instead of 'bigger'.

a more serious concern

Replaces 'problem' with 'concern', indicating a graver matter.

a far more significant issue

Highlights the importance and weight of the problem.

a considerably larger challenge

Focuses on the difficulty of the problem, using 'challenge' as a synonym.

an even more complex matter

Shifts the focus to the intricacy and difficulty of understanding or resolving the problem.

a yet more troubling aspect

Emphasizes the worrying nature of the problem.

a substantially greater difficulty

Highlights the increased level of difficulty compared to a previous problem.

a significantly larger obstacle

Focuses on the hindering nature of the problem.

a decidedly worse predicament

Indicates a more unfavorable or dangerous situation.

an increasingly critical situation

Highlights the urgency and severity of the problem's escalation.

FAQs

How can I use "an even bigger problem" in a sentence?

Use "an even bigger problem" to introduce a more significant issue than one previously discussed. For example, "The lack of funding is a problem, but the lack of skilled personnel is "an even bigger problem"".

What's a less formal alternative to "an even bigger problem"?

In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "a much worse issue" or "an even greater headache" as less formal alternatives to "an even bigger problem".

Is it okay to use "an even bigger problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "an even bigger problem" is suitable for formal writing, especially in reports or analyses, as it clearly indicates a significant issue. Alternatives include "a more significant concern" or "a considerably larger challenge".

What's the difference between "a big problem" and "an even bigger problem"?

"A big problem" indicates a significant issue, while ""an even bigger problem"" suggests the existence of a problem that's more substantial or severe than one already identified.