deeper problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'deeper problem' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a more serious or complex issue behind a problem. For example, "The disruption to daily life caused by the pandemic is only a symptom of the deeper problem of inequality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is a deeper problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Beyond it, however, lies a deeper problem.

The Economist

But the deeper problem is about institutions.

The New Yorker

I think this is a deeper problem".

Independent

But the deeper problem lies elsewhere.

The New York Times - Arts

But there may be a deeper problem.

The New York Times

And that exposes a deeper problem.

The Economist

And thus a second, deeper problem emerges.

The Guardian - Books

The deeper problem is not theirs.

The New York Times

But it points to a deeper problem.

The Guardian - Tech

But there was a deeper problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deeper problem" to signal that the immediately apparent issue is a symptom of a more significant underlying cause. This encourages a more thorough analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "deeper problem" without identifying and explaining the underlying issue. Simply stating that there is a "deeper problem" without elaboration weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deeper problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'deeper' modifies the noun 'problem'. It identifies a problem that is not immediately apparent or is more fundamental than other issues. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deeper problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate an underlying, often less obvious, issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and versatile. Its primary function is to highlight a significant, fundamental cause, encouraging a more thorough analysis of the situation. While appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal to informal, using the phrase effectively requires clear identification and explanation of the specific underlying issue to avoid superficial analysis. Remember that simply stating a "deeper problem" exists without elaborating weakens your argument. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying problem

Emphasizes the problem that exists beneath the surface.

core issue

Identifies the central and most important aspect of the problem.

fundamental issue

Highlights the core, underlying nature of the problem.

more profound problem

Suggests a problem that is more significant and far-reaching.

systemic issue

Indicates that the problem is inherent in the system itself.

real issue

Focuses on the actual, significant problem, often in contrast to superficial concerns.

root cause

Focuses on the origin and fundamental reason for the problem.

essential difficulty

Emphasizes the key challenge or obstacle.

primary concern

Highlights the main worry or matter of importance.

hidden complexity

Highlights the concealed difficulty, suggesting the problem is harder than it seems.

FAQs

What does "deeper problem" mean?

The phrase "deeper problem" refers to an underlying, often less obvious, issue that is the true cause of a situation or other apparent problems.

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

You can use "deeper problem" to indicate that a surface-level issue is caused by a more fundamental one. For example: "The company's low sales are just a symptom of a "deeper problem" related to outdated marketing strategies."

What's a good alternative to "deeper problem"?

Alternatives to "deeper problem" include "underlying problem", "fundamental issue", or "root cause". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "deeper problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "deeper problem" is appropriate for formal writing as it is commonly used in news, academic, and business contexts. Consider the "underlying issue" is a more formal synonym.