contain a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contain a problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that has an issue or difficulty associated with it. For example, "The project has been delayed due to the fact that it contains a problem that needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Institute of Medicine report on the CPR [ 11] recommends that it contain a problem list that specifies the patient's medical problems and the status of each.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Analysts say the crackdowns on corruption are aimed at bringing greater accountability to all levels of government, and at containing a problem that some consider so widespread that it could undermine support for the ruling Communist Party, led by President Hu Jintao.

The New York Times

The commonly used approach to implementing the connecting process, multicast grouping, contains a problem that is NP-complete.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

This section contains a problem composed by an integro-differential equation with some functional boundary conditions, whose solvability is proved in presence of nonordered lower and upper solutions.

Boundary Value Problems

The subsequent header row contains a problem name and a number of workers appearing in the given variant of the environment.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

After the first half was over, I was once again placed in a different group of five students; Being told to act as if we were part of a student council in college, each group was given a sheet of paper that contained a problem that must be resolved by us as a team and under the fairest terms possible.

Huffington Post

Experiment #2 contained a problem where the task time window for completion was randomly generated.

Cognitive Computation

Using narrative to contain a bigger problem and give it a kind of meaning is something Lazar has done before.

Los Angeles Times

In this paper, the following sections contain a rough problem analysis leading to multi-level approaches of programme development, implementation and diffusion.

BMC Geriatrics

The clinical scales of the CBCL contain a Total Problems score, two broadband dimensions, internalizing problems and externalizing problems, and seven other scales.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development

The Episcopal Diocese of New York has been trying to contain an evolving problem concerning Canon Backus and the actions of the board of governors, or vestry, of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Kips Bay, where he remains rector.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure the subject of the phrase is something that can logically 'contain' a problem, such as a system, document, or process.

Common error

While grammatically correct, frequent use of "contain a problem" can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "present a challenge" or "exhibit a flaw" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contain a problem" functions as a verbal phrase that describes a state of having an issue or difficulty within something. It indicates that the subject possesses a problem as a part of its composition or state. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contain a problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the presence of an issue within something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is versatile, appearing in various contexts, particularly scientific and news-related domains. When writing, ensure the subject logically "contains" the problem and consider using synonyms to avoid repetition. While generally neutral, its tone can shift towards formal depending on the context. Remember to be specific about the nature of the problem for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have an issue

This alternative is more general, replacing "contain a problem" with a broader term for something being wrong.

present a difficulty

This alternative highlights the problematic aspect as something that poses a challenge.

involve a complication

This focuses on the complex nature of the problem and its potential impact.

exhibit a flaw

This alternative suggests that the problem is an inherent defect or imperfection.

suffer from a defect

This version implies that the subject is negatively affected by the problem.

display a shortcoming

This presents the problem as a lack of something essential or desirable.

encounter an obstacle

This depicts the problem as something that obstructs progress or success.

pose a challenge

This highlights the difficulty and effort required to overcome the problem.

present an impediment

Similar to 'pose a challenge', but indicates something obstructing or hindering progress.

have an inherent weakness

Suggests the problem arises from a built-in vulnerability.

FAQs

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

You can use "contain a problem" to describe something that has an issue. For example: "The report "contains a problem" that needs to be addressed".

What are some alternatives to using "contain a problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have an issue", "present a difficulty", or "involve a complication", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "contain a problem" or "has a problem"?

Both "contain a problem" and "has a problem" are grammatically correct. "Contain a problem" may be more appropriate when referring to something complex like a system or document, while "has a problem" is more general.

What does it mean when something "contains a problem"?

When something "contains a problem", it means that there's an issue, difficulty, or flaw present within that thing. The problem is part of it, either inherently or as a result of some fault.