constitute a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitute a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which the conditions of the situation are a problem in and of themselves. For example, "The cold temperatures, snow, and limited daylight hours of winter constitute a problem for outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Some sexual assault crimes constitute a problem for the legal institutions confronted with the DNA analysis of such cases.

Forensic Science International: Genetics

Drug taking is widespread and on the rise but, for the majority, it does not constitute a problem; 87% of those who have taken drugs do not believe they have ever had a problem with them.

The Guardian

Each time the launch team got away with a lower-temperature launch, Vaughan argued, engineers noted the deviance, then decided it wasn't sufficiently different from what they had done before to constitute a problem.

The New Yorker

Of course, these differences did not constitute a problem until 1983, when David Bromwich forced us to take sides, with his unsurpassed study of Hazlitt's oeuvre, "Hazlitt: The Mind of a Critic".

The New Yorker

And the quote is, "When all the new lands have all been opened to cultivation, and when thousands of millions of human beings occupy the Earth, the demand for food will constitute a problem which we scarcely apprehend today.

Cornell University

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether reports of engine fires constitute a problem requiring the recall of 36,000 Mini Cooper S models from the 2007 and 2008 model years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Even being himself may have constituted a problem.

The New Yorker

Psychological fatigue, a growing disinterest in sexual behaviour with a particular partner, sometimes constitutes a problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of all the concessions Israel had to make, "that one constituted a problem for us," he said.

The New York Times

But witnesses warned that it was easy in hindsight to identify warning signs; looking forward and determining what constituted a problem was much harder.

The New York Times

If this circumstance results useful for energy consumption reduction, it constitutes a problem for indoor air quality and comfort.

Energy Procedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constitute a problem", ensure that the subject clearly leads to negative consequences or difficulties. For example, "Lack of funding can constitute a problem for research projects."

Common error

Avoid using "constitute a problem" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "is a problem" or "causes issues" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute a problem" functions as a predicate, asserting that a specific condition, situation, or element inherently represents a problematic state or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constitute a problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something inherently represents an issue or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific, news-related, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "pose a challenge" or "present an issue" exist, this phrase offers a direct way to frame something as an obstacle needing attention. When writing, keep the register in mind, reserving this phrase for more formal situations to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a challenge

This alternative focuses on the difficulty or obstacle that something presents, rather than explicitly labeling it as a problem.

present an issue

This phrase is a slightly softer way of saying something is a problem, focusing on the fact that it needs to be addressed.

create difficulties

This alternative emphasizes the act of causing problems, rather than the state of being a problem.

give rise to concerns

This phrase highlights the worries or anxieties that something generates, implying a problem without directly stating it.

be a source of trouble

This focuses on the negative consequences stemming from something.

represent a setback

This alternative is appropriate when something hinders progress or causes a delay, focusing on the impact rather than the problem itself.

become problematic

This suggests that something is evolving into a problem.

lead to complications

This highlights the complex and potentially negative outcomes that can result from something.

raise obstacles

This emphasizes the barriers that something introduces, focusing on the impediments created.

prove troublesome

This alternative focuses on the inconvenience and difficulty that something causes, highlighting its bothersome nature.

FAQs

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

Use "constitute a problem" to indicate that something is of such a nature that it creates difficulties or negative consequences. For example, "High levels of pollution "constitute a problem" for public health."

What are some alternatives to "constitute a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "pose a challenge", "present an issue", or "create difficulties" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is a problem" or "constitute a problem"?

"Constitute a problem" is more formal and emphasizes the inherent nature of the issue. "Is a problem" is simpler and more direct, suitable for less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "constitute a problem" and "cause a problem"?

"Constitute a problem" implies that something is, by its very nature, a problem. "Cause a problem" suggests that something leads to or creates a problem. For example, "The broken machine causes a problem with production" vs. "The lack of maintenance constitutes a problem with the machine's reliability".