an increasing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an increasing problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been getting worse or more frequent over time. For example: "Child obesity has become an increasing problem in many parts of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Universities are finding this an increasing problem.

The Economist

Is illegal immigration an increasing problem?

The Washington Post

However violent crime is an increasing problem in Kenya.

The Guardian

Unemployment remains low: indeed, labour shortages are an increasing problem.

The Economist

Delegates will be told it is an increasing problem.

Independent

Obesity is an increasing problem in obstetric practice.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

As the seemingly endless war dragged on, desertion and troop mutinies became an increasing problem.

The New York Times

Hawkhead added that getting funders to take risks was an increasing problem.

The Guardian

A new British crime-fighting initiative warns that online dating fraud is an increasing problem.

MIT Technology Review

Another prominent Western politician goes further, seeing government as an increasing problem for the West too.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Classroom discipline has been an increasing problem, Mr. McCoy told lawmakers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an increasing problem", provide specific context or examples to illustrate the growing nature of the issue. This makes your statement more impactful and informative.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "an increasing problem" without providing any supporting data or evidence. Back up your assertion with statistics or examples to lend credibility to your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an increasing problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase complement. It typically follows a linking verb (e.g., is, has become) to describe or characterize a subject. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the examples show it characterizing different subjects (cybersecurity threats, classroom discipline, obesity etc.).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an increasing problem" is a versatile phrase used to describe an issue that is growing in severity or frequency. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase enjoys widespread use across diverse sources, including science, news, and formal business contexts. The phrase is grammatically sound and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various communication settings. When using "an increasing problem", providing specific context or data enhances its impact and credibility. Alternatives include "a growing concern", and "a rising challenge", offering nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern", emphasizing worry about the issue.

a worsening situation

Focuses on the deteriorating nature of the circumstances.

a rising challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", highlighting the difficulty in addressing it.

a mounting difficulty

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty", suggesting increasing obstacles.

an emerging issue

Highlights that the problem is newly developing and gaining prominence.

an escalating crisis

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the problem by using "crisis".

a spreading threat

Emphasizes the expanding nature of the danger.

a snowballing effect

Implies that the problem is rapidly increasing in size and impact.

a burgeoning predicament

Uses "burgeoning" to indicate rapid growth of a difficult situation.

a multiplying effect

Shifts focus to the cascading consequences of the original issue.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "an increasing problem", follow it with a specific explanation or example to illustrate the issue's growing impact. For instance, "Cybersecurity threats are "an increasing problem", demanding more robust security measures".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "an increasing problem"?

Alternatives to "an increasing problem" include "a growing concern", "a rising challenge", or "a worsening situation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "an increasingly problem"?

No, "an increasingly problem" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "an increasing problem", where "increasing" acts as an adjective describing the noun "problem".

What's the difference between "an increasing problem" and "a persistent problem"?

"An increasing problem" refers to an issue that is growing in severity or frequency, while "a persistent problem" describes an issue that continues to exist over a long period. They emphasize different aspects of the problem's nature.