been a recurring problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been a recurring problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that has repeatedly occurred over a period of time. Example: "The lack of communication between departments has been a recurring problem that affects our overall efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It seems it's been a recurring problem.

The New York Times - Sports

But "X" has been a recurring problem with this child.

The New York Times

Disparity in the size of constituencies has been a recurring problem in legislative apportionment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, Johnson's shoulder has been a recurring problem, something not uncommon with pitchers who've had Tommy John surgery.

The New York Times

Squabbling between the State Department and the Pentagon has historically been a recurring problem for the White House.

Independent

In addition, flooding has been a recurring problem, although measures to control it were made after serious floods in 1929 and 1935.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Many say it is a recurring problem.

The New York Times

The shortage of single men is a recurring problem.

The New York Times

Despite the religious strictures, gonorrhea was a recurring problem.

The New Yorker

This is a recurring problem in "The Romantics".

The New York Times - Books

No-shows are a recurring problem and new hires are prone to storming out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been a recurring problem", provide context about the specific nature of the problem and its impact to enhance clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid stating that something has "been a recurring problem" without elaborating on what the problem is. Always provide details to avoid vagueness and ensure the reader understands the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been a recurring problem" functions as a descriptor, identifying an issue that has appeared repeatedly. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used to highlight persistent difficulties, offering a clear indication of an ongoing challenge.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been a recurring problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a persistent issue that has occurred repeatedly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in contexts such as News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, it maintains a neutral tone, suitable for factual reporting and objective discussions. To maximize clarity, always provide specific details about the problem when using this phrase. Alternatives like "been a persistent issue" or "been a chronic issue" can be used depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been a persistent issue

Replaces "recurring problem" with "persistent issue", emphasizing the continuous nature of the issue.

been a chronic issue

Substitutes "recurring" with "chronic", suggesting the problem is long-lasting and difficult to resolve.

been a repeated difficulty

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty" and "recurring" with "repeated", maintaining a similar meaning.

been a constant challenge

Changes "problem" to "challenge" and "recurring" to "constant", framing it as something that needs to be overcome continuously.

been a frequent concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern" and "recurring" with "frequent", softening the negative connotation.

been a regular occurrence

Shifts the focus to the event happening regularly rather than the negative impact.

been a familiar obstacle

Substitutes "problem" with "obstacle", highlighting the impediment aspect, and "recurring" with "familiar".

been an ongoing struggle

Replaces "problem" with "struggle" and "recurring" with "ongoing", emphasizing the effort required to deal with it.

been a cyclical pattern

Presents the issue as happening in cycles, which may imply predictability.

been a continuing source of trouble

Expands on the idea, clarifying that the issue causes trouble continuously.

FAQs

How can I use "been a recurring problem" in a sentence?

You can use "been a recurring problem" to describe an issue that has happened multiple times. For example, "Customer service delays have been a recurring problem, leading to dissatisfaction".

What are some alternatives to saying "been a recurring problem"?

Alternatives include "been a persistent issue", "been a chronic issue", or "been a repeated difficulty". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it better to say "recurring problem" or "persistent problem"?

Both "recurring problem" and "persistent problem" are correct, but "persistent problem" emphasizes the continuous nature of the issue, while "recurring problem" emphasizes that it happens repeatedly. The better choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What's the difference between "been a recurring problem" and "become a recurring problem"?

"Been a recurring problem" indicates the issue has occurred multiple times in the past and continues to do so. "Become a recurring problem" suggests it has only recently started happening more than once.