continue to be a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to be a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ongoing issues or challenges that persist over time. Example: "Despite our efforts to resolve the issue, it continues to be a problem for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Desertions and resignations continue to be a problem.

The New York Times

Crumbs were, and continue to be, a problem.

The New Yorker

Lobbying will therefore continue to be a problem.

The Guardian

Some analysts predict the consumers will continue to be a problem.

The New York Times - Tech

However, undisciplined — and heavily armed — government soldiers continue to be a problem.

The New York Times

That means funding big, time-consuming investigative projects will continue to be a problem.

The New Yorker

"These things are so institutionalized, they continue to be a problem.

The New York Times

Does that continue to be a problem with taking that armor out?

The New York Times

But he also added: "Shootings continue to be a problem that needs to be urgently addressed in Bulgaria.

The New York Times

The nonexistence of a consistently explosive receiver was – and likely will continue to be – a problem for the Browns.

The New York Times

Even when one is found, he said, logistics in this rubble-choked country will continue to be a problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to be a problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the historical or ongoing nature of the issue. This helps to emphasize that it's not a new or sudden occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to be a problem" without first clearly identifying the problem. Providing context will make your writing more informative and avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to be a problem" functions as a predicate nominative, describing a subject that is experiencing an ongoing issue. It's used to express the persistence of a difficulty, challenge, or concern. As shown by Ludwig, the expression is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Huffington Post

2%

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continue to be a problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe ongoing issues across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions primarily to inform about unresolved difficulties and is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. While versatile, ensure you provide adequate context when using it to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "remain a persistent issue" or "persist as a challenge" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain a persistent issue

Uses "persistent issue" instead of "a problem" to emphasize the ongoing nature.

persist as a challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" offering a slightly different connotation.

still pose difficulties

Focuses on the difficulties caused by the ongoing problem.

has not been resolved

Highlights the lack of resolution as the central issue.

remains an unresolved matter

Emphasizes the lack of resolution and the formal nature of the issue.

the issue endures

A more concise way to express the continuation of the problem.

is an ongoing concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern" to soften the negative connotation.

is a recurring difficulty

Highlights the repetitive nature of the problem.

the trouble persists

Uses "trouble" to denote the problem, adding a slightly informal tone.

the challenge remains

Uses "challenge" to frame the issue as something to be overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to be a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "continue to be a problem" to describe ongoing issues. For example, "Staffing shortages "continue to be a problem" for the hospital."

What are some alternatives to "continue to be a problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remain a persistent issue", "persist as a challenge", or "is an ongoing concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "continues to be a problem" or "continue to be a problem"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "continues to be a problem" is used when referring to a singular subject, whereas "continue to be a problem" is used when referring to plural subjects or in hypothetical statements. Consider the subject-verb agreement in your sentence.

What's the difference between "continue to be a problem" and "remain a problem"?

"Continue to be a problem" suggests that the issue has been ongoing. While "remain a problem" simply states that the issue persists, without necessarily implying it was a problem in the past.