an extra problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional issue or challenge that has arisen in a situation. Example: "We encountered an extra problem during the project that we hadn't anticipated, which delayed our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"An extra match is not an extra problem," Pellegrini said, more than a little grumpily.

The Guardian - Sport

But Mr Clegg faces an extra problem.

The Economist

But the left arguably has an extra problem.

The Economist

Some countries have an extra problem of big external government debts (in Hungary's case, the gross figure is near 100% of GDP).

The Economist

The danger, says Mr Betts, is that the force you send in is too weak to pacify the territory or too big and clumsy to win over the local population.Humanitarian operations pose an extra problem.

The Economist

On top of all this, GYPSYs have an extra problem that applies to their whole generation: Sure, some people from Lucy's parents' high school or college classes ended up more successful than her parents did.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Like extra problem sets in a textbook, these photos offer us additional opportunities to practice the art of looking, while simultaneously multiplying the scale of, as Morris's subtitle puts it, "the mysteries of photography".

The New York Times - Books

You see, right now bears have an extra credibility problem.

The New York Times

While this approach automatically determines the BudgetMin parameter it also adds extra computational cost as we have to solve an extra optimization problem.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

"There is a risk of human error generally where you're talking about the death penalty, and this may be one extra problem, one serious additional problem.

The New York Times

Fifty years of engineering studies have yet to turn up an obvious technical reason why an unmanned starship could not be built (crewed ships might be doable too, although they throw up a host of extra problems).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extra problem", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it an additional burden, a further obstacle, or an added complication? Choosing the most precise term will improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an extra problem" when referring to a core or central issue. This phrase is best suited for secondary or unforeseen challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies an additional difficulty or challenge within a given context. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extra problem" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes an additional difficulty or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English across various contexts. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times. When using this phrase, consider whether "an additional issue" or "a further obstacle" might provide more specific nuance. Be mindful that the register is neutral, making it suitable for various communication styles. Avoiding using "an extra problem" when talking about the core issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supplementary issue

Indicates an additional point of concern.

an added complication

Highlights the act of making something more complex.

a further obstacle

Suggests an impediment or hindrance that needs to be overcome.

an additional dilemma

Focuses specifically on a difficult choice or situation.

an unexpected hitch

Suggests a sudden and unforeseen problem.

an enhanced difficulty

Emphasizes an increased level of difficulty.

a more profound challenge

Emphasizes a deeper, more significant difficulty.

a compounding factor

Focuses on how something exacerbates the existing issues.

an increased burden

Focuses on the weight or responsibility that something adds.

a new layer of complexity

Highlights the intricacy that something adds.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extra problem" to describe an additional issue that arises in a situation. For example, "The project faced several setbacks, and then we encountered "an extra problem" with the software compatibility".

What are some alternatives to "an extra problem"?

Some alternatives to "an extra problem" include "an additional issue", "an added complication", or "a further obstacle".

Is it better to say "an extra problem" or "an additional problem"?

"An extra problem" and "an additional problem" are largely interchangeable, but "an extra problem" might suggest something more unexpected or less integral than "an additional problem". The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "an extra problem" and "a main problem"?

"An extra problem" refers to a secondary or additional issue that arises, whereas "a main problem" indicates the central or primary issue being faced. They are contrasting in scope and importance.