been an ongoing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been an ongoing problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or issue that has persisted over time without resolution. Example: "The lack of communication between departments has been an ongoing problem that affects our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Balance has been an ongoing problem.

The Guardian - Sport

Vandalism and theft at archeological sites have been an ongoing problem.

Stanford University

"This has been an ongoing problem and happens EVERY time we have an incident.

The New York Times

"So while the train strikes have made headline news, the sub-standard service has been an ongoing problem for commuters for at least the last year.

The Guardian - Money

"It's been an ongoing problem that we notice has been getting progressively worse," said John Fratta, the district manager of Community Board 11.

The New York Times

"Jim Calhoun is probably not wrong," said John Clougherty, the supervisor of officials for the A.C.C. "It has been an ongoing problem for 20 years.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"It's an ongoing problem".

The New York Times

"This is an ongoing problem".

The New York Times

However, human waste is an ongoing problem.

The Guardian - Travel

In the late 1990s, share ramping was an ongoing problem.

The Guardian - Business

"Theft is an ongoing problem at public gardens," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been an ongoing problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe and impact of the problem to provide a comprehensive understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "been an ongoing problem" for minor or easily resolved issues. Reserve it for situations where the problem has genuinely persisted and had a noticeable impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been an ongoing problem" functions as a descriptor, typically used as part of a sentence's predicate. It highlights a state of affairs that has persisted over time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been an ongoing problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a persistent issue across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the continuity of a problem. While suitable for neutral registers like news and general discussions, more formal or technical settings might benefit from more precise phrasing. When using this expression, providing context and specifics enhances its impact. Remember to avoid overusing it for minor issues to maintain its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been a persistent issue

Emphasizes the continuity and troublesome nature of the problem.

been a recurring challenge

Highlights the repetitive and demanding aspect of the problem.

been a long-standing concern

Focuses on the worry and duration associated with the problem.

been a chronic issue

Implies the problem is persistent and difficult to resolve.

been a continuous difficulty

Stresses the uninterrupted nature of the problematic situation.

been a constant struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in dealing with the problem.

been a perpetual headache

Uses a more informal term to describe the annoying and persistent nature of the problem.

been a nagging concern

Emphasizes the persistent and bothersome nature of the problem.

been a standing problem

Indicates the problem has been present and unresolved for a significant period.

been a regular impediment

Focuses on how the problem consistently hinders progress or action.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "been a persistent issue" or "been a longstanding concern".

What's the difference between "been an ongoing problem" and "been an isolated incident"?

"Been an ongoing problem" suggests a recurring issue, while "been an isolated incident" implies a one-time occurrence.

When is it appropriate to use "been an ongoing problem" in writing?

Use "been an ongoing problem" when you want to emphasize that a specific issue has persisted over time and has not been resolved. It's useful for highlighting chronic issues.

What are some synonyms for "been an ongoing problem" that aren't as negative?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "been a recurring challenge" or "been a standing problem" to describe a situation without necessarily emphasizing the negative aspect.