chief problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"chief problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a primary issue or difficulty. For example: "The chief problem with the project was a lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chief problem is age.

The Economist

But lending is the chief problem.

The Economist

Here, numbers were not the chief problem.

The New York Times - Arts

The chief problem is still not being addressed.

The New York Times

The chief problem, however, is a conceptual one.

The Economist

On the field, the chief problem has been the offense.

The New York Times - Sports

The chief problem: BlackBerry was fading into the background.

The Guardian - Tech

"The chief problem in historical honesty isn't outright lying.

The New York Times

But foreigners, to Mr. Voigt, are Germany's chief problem.

The New York Times

His chief problem had been liver damage from the operation he'd had.

The New Yorker

Chief problem: an over-the-top swing where the club travels away from the body.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "chief problem", ensure it accurately reflects the most significant issue at hand. Avoid using it for minor or secondary concerns to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

While "chief problem" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly formal or stilted in very casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "main issue" or "biggest problem" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most significant issue within a given context, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis of example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that identifies the main issue or difficulty in a given situation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, appearing in news, business, and scientific contexts. While appropriate for various settings, it's worth noting that slightly less formal alternatives may be preferable in very casual conversations. The authoritative sources that use this phrase frequently include The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary issue

Replaces "chief problem" with synonyms while keeping the same grammatical structure.

fundamental issue

Indicates that the issue is basic and foundational.

central issue

Highlights the importance of the issue.

main concern

Substitutes "problem" with "concern", focusing on the aspect of worry or importance.

key concern

Similar to "main concern", but uses "key" to denote importance.

major obstacle

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the problem.

biggest hurdle

Focuses on the aspect of overcoming a significant difficulty.

principal difficulty

Uses more formal synonyms for both "chief" and "problem".

core challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing it as something to be overcome.

most significant challenge

Emphasizes the importance of the challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief problem" to identify the most significant issue in a situation. For example, "The "chief problem" with the project was a lack of funding."

What's a more informal way to say "chief problem"?

In more casual contexts, you could use phrases like "main issue", "biggest problem", or "key challenge" as alternatives to "chief problem".

Is it always necessary to use "chief problem", or are there times when another phrase is better?

While grammatically sound, "chief problem" can sometimes sound overly formal. Simpler phrases such as "main issue" or "biggest issue" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "chief problem" that maintain a formal tone?

Alternatives that maintain a formal tone include "principal difficulty", "primary issue", or "fundamental issue".