an ongoing dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing dilemma" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or problem that is persistent and unresolved. Example: "The company is facing an ongoing dilemma regarding the best approach to reduce costs without sacrificing quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It is an ongoing dilemma for the N.F.L.," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Las Vegas's power drama captures an ongoing dilemma in the new energy economy.

The Guardian

This abundant variation creates an ongoing dilemma for constructing generally valid competence tests.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Preoperative malnutrition appears to predict FJT complications, creating an ongoing dilemma regarding FJT placement.

Duke University

Last night, an ongoing dilemma played out in my head, keeping me awake for several hours.

Huffington Post

There is an ongoing dilemma in the writing world--Should writers write what they feel passionate about or write for the masses?

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Therefore, the clinical decision on how best to choose patients for EGFR TKI remains an important and ongoing dilemma.

BMC Genomics

Just take the labor participation rate, a measurement of the percentage of adults 16 and older who are working, as a sign of the ongoing dilemma.

HuffPost

La Cañada School Board member Ellen Multari referred to the ongoing dilemma as a "50-year-old civic challenge" but one that she and fellow La Cañada school and city officials are prepared to see through.

Los Angeles Times

The clock is ticking on finding a long-term solution to this ongoing dilemma.

Huffington Post

"What we are dealing with here is an ongoing Italian dilemma," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ongoing dilemma", ensure that the context clearly establishes what makes the situation a dilemma – a difficult choice between two or more options. For example, "The company faces an ongoing dilemma between prioritizing short-term profits and long-term sustainability."

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing dilemma" to describe a simple problem or challenge that lacks the element of a difficult choice between conflicting options. A statement like "The project's ongoing dilemma is lack of funding" is not a true dilemma; consider "challenge" or "problem" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing dilemma" functions as a noun phrase, where "ongoing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "dilemma". It describes a situation presenting a difficult choice or problem that is persistent and unresolved. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing dilemma" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a persistent and unresolved problem. Ludwig AI highlights that it functions as a noun phrase, combining the adjective "ongoing" with the noun "dilemma", is suitable for neutral to professional registers, and is most often found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the elements of a complex choice, avoiding its application to simple problems. Understanding its nuanced usage ensures clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing predicament

Replaces "dilemma" with "predicament" to suggest a difficult or unpleasant situation.

a persistent challenge

Substitutes "dilemma" with "challenge" to frame the situation as something to be overcome.

a recurring problem

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the issue.

a chronic issue

Implies the problem is long-lasting and difficult to resolve.

an unresolved difficulty

Highlights the lack of a solution to the problem.

a never-ending struggle

Exaggerates the persistence and difficulty of the issue.

a constant battle

Presents the situation as a continuous fight or effort.

a perpetual quandary

Uses "quandary" instead of "dilemma", suggesting a state of perplexity or uncertainty.

an intractable problem

Emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of solving the issue.

a long-standing issue

Focuses on the duration of the problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an ongoing dilemma" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a continuing predicament", "a persistent challenge", or "an unresolved difficulty". Each of these alternatives, like "a continuing predicament", maintains a similar meaning while conveying a more serious and considered tone.

What's a less formal way to express "an ongoing dilemma"?

In less formal settings, you might use "a recurring problem" or "a long-standing issue". These alternatives are more casual while still capturing the essence of something being persistent and difficult. For example, you could say, "Childcare is "a long-standing issue" for many working parents."

Is it correct to use "ongoing dilemma" without the article "an"?

While grammatically acceptable in some contexts (e.g., as a heading or in informal speech), it's generally better to include the article "an" for clarity and proper grammar. "An ongoing dilemma" is the standard and preferred form.

What distinguishes "an ongoing dilemma" from "an ethical dilemma"?

"An ongoing dilemma" refers to any persistent problem with difficult choices, while "an ethical dilemma" specifically involves choices that raise moral or ethical concerns. All ethical dilemmas are dilemmas, but not all dilemmas are ethical.