catalog of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catalog of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a comprehensive list or collection of issues or challenges that need to be addressed or considered. Example: "The report included a detailed catalog of problems that the organization faced over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The catalog of problems is painfully obvious in hindsight.

The New York Times

None of that is surprising considering the catalog of problems at Sellafield.

The New York Times

There are hints in the catalog of problems Western scholars have confronted: incomplete skeletal remains, unreleased photographs, difficulty in conducting genetic analysis.

The New York Times - Arts

Such companies add to a catalog of problems that have overshadowed Vietnam's promise: bureaucracy, creaky infrastructure, a debilitating trade deficit and, until recently, spiraling inflation and a stumbling currency.

The New York Times

According to Daut Xhemajli, president of the Municipal Council in Vitina, those incidents were just part of a catalog of problems that has pushed townspeople to their limits of patience.

The New York Times

KLAGENFURT, AUSTRIA — When Gottwald Kranebitter turns up for work every morning, he is greeted by the usual catalog of problems that a lot of bank executives face these days: bad loans, toxic assets, jittery money markets, not to mention the scrutiny of the Austrian government, which rescued the bank from collapse last year and now owns it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"What was not right about it was a catalog of commonplace problems — story knots, bad sound and finally a failure to cohere, meaning that the whole was not greater than the sum of the parts, as wonderful as some of those parts were".

The New York Times

She has cataloged a spate of problems in recent photographs: large patches of mold beneath linoleum floors, water stains along ceilings and roofs, cockroach droppings and holes in walls.

The New York Times

The Justice Department investigation of the Santa Fe jail, conducted by four experts for the department's Civil Rights Division, cataloged a series of problems that seemed to stem from an effort to keep costs down.

The New York Times

DENVER — A new report catalogs a range of problems with the way the federal government is managing thousands of wild horses and burros that roam the American West, supporting the position of animal rights advocates who have long argued that the program is ineffective and needlessly cruel.

The New York Times

The teachers union staged a midday news conference, cataloging a list of problems at various schools and calling Deasy "reckless" for the district's pace at changing over to the new student records system.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "catalog of problems", consider the context. It's suitable for formal reports, analyses, and discussions where a comprehensive overview of issues is necessary. For less formal settings, alternatives like "list of issues" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "catalog of problems" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler phrases like "a bunch of issues" or "many problems" are often more fitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catalog of problems" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a collection or list of issues, often implying a comprehensive and systematic compilation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and serves to enumerate difficulties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catalog of problems" is a noun phrase that refers to a comprehensive list of issues or difficulties. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, especially in formal contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While acceptable, it may sound overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "list of issues", "range of difficulties", or "inventory of challenges" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, consider the audience and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

list of issues

Emphasizes a more straightforward compilation without necessarily implying complexity.

inventory of challenges

Highlights the difficulties as obstacles to overcome, suggesting a proactive approach.

range of difficulties

Suggests a spectrum of problems, implying variety and scope.

collection of troubles

Informal and emphasizes the negative impact of the problems.

series of setbacks

Focuses on problems as events that hinder progress.

litany of woes

Emphasizes the burdensome and lamentable nature of the problems.

accumulation of crises

Highlights the escalating and critical nature of the problems.

compendium of errors

Focuses on mistakes and faults that have led to the problems.

spectrum of adversities

Highlights problems as unfortunate events and hardship.

cycle of snags

Highlights problems as recurring and persistent.

FAQs

How can I use "catalog of problems" in a sentence?

You can use "catalog of problems" to introduce a comprehensive list of issues, such as: "The audit revealed a detailed "catalog of problems" within the department." or "The project manager presented a "catalog of problems" hindering the project's progress."

What are some alternatives to "catalog of problems"?

Alternatives include "list of issues", "range of difficulties", or "inventory of challenges". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "catalog of problems" suitable for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "catalog of problems" is better suited for formal or analytical writing. In more casual contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "a list of problems" or "many issues".

What does "catalog of problems" imply?

It implies a structured and comprehensive collection of difficulties, often suggesting that the issues have been systematically identified and documented. It's more than just a few scattered problems; it's a recognized set of challenges.