an expanding problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an expanding problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that is growing in size, complexity, or impact over time. Example: "The environmental crisis is an expanding problem that requires immediate attention from global leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Dengue is an expanding problem in tropical and subtropical regions and is now the most frequent arboviral disease in the world, with an estimated annual 100 million cases of dengue fever, 250,000 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever, and 25,000 deaths per year (1 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

An expanding problem UNICEF and YAKITA are partners in an ambitious pilot programme to train young people from the greater Jakarta area and from three provinces – Bandung, Makassar, and Bali – to be peer group educators on issues related to HIV and AIDS.

Unicef

The Party today is facing an expanding problem: losing the confidence of some of its most successful residents.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One example of a test item in the content area of coding is: "An established patient who has an expanded problem focused history and exam may be billed at a 99215 level".

BMC Medical Education

However, the fact remains that in the area of libel and slander with malice, there is an ever expanding problem which needs a clear and decisive solution.

Huffington Post

Her call for action on healthy eating has been echoed by the United States Department of Defense, which has been facing an ever expanding problem of recruit obesity.

Wikipedia

Significance of the work: Ticks, especially lone star ticks, are a rapidly expanding problem in the Northeast.

Cornell University

Studies of fluoroquinolone mechanism and resistance were aimed at combatting the expanding problem of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections, in particular tuberculosis.

Springer

With the scale and complexity of the expanding problem of MAP infection in animals and the increasing evidence for the involvement of these multi- host pathogens in human disease [27], [53] there is a need for new candidate vaccines suitable for preventative and therapeutic use.

Plosone

The expanding problem of MRSA, and the global challenge of extensively drug-resistant M. tuberculosis (also called extreme drug-resistant M. tuberculosis), require new therapies.

BMC Biology

Globalization is rapidly expanding problems whose solutions require coordinated responses from several countries working together.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an expanding problem", clearly define the scope and impact of the problem you are describing to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the scope of "an expanding problem" to maintain credibility. Use precise data and evidence to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an expanding problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "expanding" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "problem". This describes a problem that is actively growing or increasing in scope. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an expanding problem" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an issue growing in size, complexity, or impact. Ludwig AI's analysis shows the phrase is most often found in scientific, news, and business contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the dynamic nature of a problem requiring attention and action. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by defining the scope and impact of the problem. Alternatives like "a growing concern" or "a worsening issue" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing concern

Focuses on the worry or anxiety caused by the problem rather than its increasing size.

a worsening issue

Highlights the deteriorating nature of the problem.

an escalating crisis

Emphasizes the urgency and severity of the situation.

a burgeoning difficulty

Uses more formal language to describe the problem's rapid growth.

a spreading challenge

Focuses on the way the problem affects a wide range of people.

an increasing predicament

Highlights the challenging and difficult nature of the problem

a mounting threat

Emphasizes the danger and potential harm caused by the problem.

an intensifying dilemma

Focuses on the complex and perplexing nature of the problem as it grows.

a burgeoning issue

Focuses on how an issue is beginning to grow or develop rapidly.

a snowballing effect

Illustrates the manner in which the problem gathers more intensity as time passes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an expanding problem" in a sentence?

To use "an expanding problem" effectively, ensure you provide context by specifying what is expanding and the consequences of its expansion. For example, "Climate change is "an expanding problem" that threatens coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "an expanding problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a growing concern", "a worsening issue", or "an escalating crisis", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an expanding problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "an expanding problem" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing issues that are growing in scale or impact. However, ensure your writing remains objective and supported by evidence.

What makes "an expanding problem" different from "a simple problem"?

"An expanding problem" implies that the issue is not only present but also increasing in size, scope, or severity over time. In contrast, "a simple problem" suggests a straightforward issue that is relatively easy to resolve.