bigger problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bigger problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an issue that is more significant or serious than another problem being referenced. Example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, the bigger problem is the lack of resources for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bigger problem?

The Guardian

The bigger problem remains.

The Economist

Politicians are a bigger problem.

The Economist

Bureaucracy is a bigger problem.

The Economist

Maybe a bigger problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's their bigger problem.

The New York Times

A bigger problem is ownership.

The Economist

But there's a bigger problem.

The New York Times

But the bigger problem?

The Washington Post

"That is the bigger problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Therein lies the bigger problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bigger problem" to shift the focus from minor details to the core issue at hand, helping to streamline discussions and decision-making processes.

Common error

Avoid using "bigger problem" to dismiss or downplay other relevant issues. Acknowledge the validity of smaller concerns before highlighting the more significant one to avoid alienating stakeholders or overlooking crucial details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bigger problem" primarily functions as a noun phrase or a determiner phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. Ludwig's examples indicate it highlights a more substantial issue compared to others. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bigger problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight a more significant issue compared to others, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans primarily across News & Media, conveying emphasis and prioritization. While versatile, alternatives like "more significant issue" may suit more formal contexts. Remember to avoid overshadowing other important issues when using "bigger problem", as effective communication involves acknowledging all relevant concerns before emphasizing the most critical ones. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more significant issue

Focuses on the relative importance of the issue.

larger concern

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the problem.

main difficulty

Highlights the primary source of trouble or obstruction.

underlying issue

Draws attention to a fundamental problem that causes other problems.

key challenge

Focuses on the difficult task that needs to be overcome.

central obstacle

Emphasizes the barrier preventing progress.

fundamental flaw

Highlights a critical weakness or defect.

greater threat

Emphasizes the potential danger or harm.

primary concern

Highlights the most important thing to worry about.

overarching problem

Implies that the problem is all-encompassing and affects many areas.

FAQs

How can I use "bigger problem" in a sentence?

You can use "bigger problem" to indicate that a particular issue is more significant than another. For example, "While the initial costs are high, the "bigger problem" is the long-term maintenance".

What are some alternatives to "bigger problem"?

Alternatives to "bigger problem" include "more significant issue", "larger concern", or "main difficulty", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "bigger problem" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "bigger problem" when you want to emphasize that one issue is more important or has more serious consequences than another issue already under discussion.

Is "bigger problem" too informal for academic writing?

While "bigger problem" is generally acceptable, in highly formal academic writing, you might consider using alternatives like "more significant issue" or "primary challenge" to maintain a more professional tone.