cascade of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"cascade of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a single issue or problem leads to a chain reaction or domino effect of additional problems or issues. For example, "The unpreparedness of the government led to a cascade of problems, including a shortage of medical supplies and a spike in unemployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The financial woes have created a cascade of problems.

The New York Times

Alas, as with any quick fix, the deals have set off a cascade of problems.

The New York Times

As baby boomers deal with their parents' deaths, they will experience the cascade of problems when there is no will.

The New York Times

A cascade of problems followed: extreme pain, delirium, deep bedsores, a colostomy, extended stays in hospitals and nursing homes.

The New York Times

The rise of dual-earner families and the increase in the number of single-parent households means that one unpredicted schedule change causes a cascade of problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other governments, like France, share the E.C.B.'s worries that too harsh a solution could lead to a cascade of problems that would destabilize the euro zone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The multiscale problem is solved by a cascade of 2-scales probleach each of which is solved with a few elements for an imposed contact area, deriving load as a function of indentation and the conductance by differentiation using Barber's analogy theorem.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

More people can lead to overfishing in reef areas, which can cause a cascade of ecological problems.

The New York Times - Science

Without that assistance, her daughter and grandson would have likely run into a cascade of health problems in the years ahead.

The New York Times

"Alcohol and drug use starts a cascade of worse problems," said Dr. McCormick, the task force member, who recently retired as director of mental health for the state veterans affairs system in Ohio.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — As the scale of Japan's nuclear crisis begins to come to light, experts in Japan and the United States say the country is now facing a cascade of accumulating problems that suggest that radioactive releases of steam from the crippled plants could go on for weeks or even months.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the initial problem and its direct relationship to the resulting issues. This provides clarity and reinforces the cause-and-effect dynamic.

Common error

Avoid using "cascade of problems" generically without explicitly outlining the initial problem and the subsequent connected issues. Lack of clear connection weakens the impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cascade of problems" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a situation characterized by a series of interconnected and escalating difficulties. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is used to illustrate how an initial issue sets off a chain reaction of negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cascade of problems" effectively illustrates how one initial issue can trigger a series of interconnected and escalating negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly establish the initial problem and its relationship to the subsequent issues to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives like "domino effect of issues" or "chain reaction of difficulties" can be used for variety, but "cascade of problems" specifically emphasizes the sequential and escalating nature of the difficulties. Although not extremely common, its use is well-supported by authoritative sources, indicating its acceptability and effectiveness in conveying complex and negative situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domino effect of issues

Emphasizes the sequential and inevitable progression of problems, akin to dominoes falling.

chain reaction of difficulties

Highlights the interconnectedness of problems, where one difficulty triggers others.

series of unfortunate events

Focuses on the sequence of negative occurrences, portraying a sense of misfortune.

succession of complications

Underscores the continuous and escalating nature of the problems.

snowballing of troubles

Illustrates how problems accumulate and intensify over time, like a snowball rolling down a hill.

wave of negative consequences

Suggests a widespread and overwhelming impact of the initial problem.

unfolding of adverse effects

Focuses on the gradual and revealing nature of the negative impacts.

a train of negative outcomes

Emphasizes the sequential and interconnected nature of negative results.

accumulation of setbacks

Highlights the build-up of obstacles and hindrances resulting from the initial problem.

proliferation of negative repercussions

Indicates a rapid spread and expansion of adverse consequences.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "cascade of problems" in a sentence?

Use "cascade of problems" to illustrate how one initial problem leads to a series of interconnected and escalating issues. For example, "The company's financial mismanagement led to a cascade of problems, including layoffs, project cancellations, and a decline in investor confidence."

What are some alternative phrases to "cascade of problems"?

You can use alternatives like "domino effect of issues", "chain reaction of difficulties", or "series of unfortunate events" depending on the context.

Is "cascade of problems" a formal or informal expression?

"Cascade of problems" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. It's frequently used in news, media, and business writing to describe escalating situations.

What's the difference between "cascade of problems" and "series of problems"?

"Cascade of problems" implies a cause-and-effect relationship, where one problem triggers subsequent issues. While "series of problems" simply denotes a sequence of issues without necessarily implying a direct causal link.