essence of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essence of the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the fundamental nature or core issue of a situation or topic. Example: "To find a solution, we must first understand the essence of the problem at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The essence of the problem is unchanged.

The Economist

This is the essence of the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

In that, analysts say, is the essence of the problem.

The New York Times

The FAC captured the essence of the problem.

The Guardian

But the essence of the problem has changed little.

The Guardian

The single-state argument is not the essence of the problem.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Although the Blasius equation is simple, it can clearly reveal the essence of the problems, which is convenient for people to carry out theoretic analysis and mathematical research for boundary layer problem.

Advances in Difference Equations

No one is trying to figure it out why the country is getting worse, no one is having an actual debate on the essence of the problems of the day, be it the presently ongoing economic collapse, education or immigration policies or malfunctioning health care, unresolved for decades.

Huffington Post

In this paper we attempt to formulate some problems that capture the essence of the design problem in a simple way.

European Journal of Control

The detection is designed in well-defined sequential steps, bringing the focus onto the essence of the contact problem.

Advances in Engineering Software

Problems in number theory and algebraic geometry are often very difficult, and it was the hope of mathematicians such as Noether, who laboured to produce a formal, axiomatic theory of rings, that, by working at a more rarefied level, the essence of the concrete problems would remain while the distracting special features of any given case would fall away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "essence of the problem" when you want to focus on the most fundamental or crucial aspect of a complex issue, helping to simplify the discussion and direct attention to the core concern.

Common error

Avoid using "essence of the problem" when a more concrete or specific description of the issue would be clearer and more impactful. Always consider whether your audience would benefit from a more direct explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essence of the problem" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the core, most important aspect of a problematic situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Huffington Post

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "essence of the problem" is a noun phrase that effectively pinpoints the core issue or fundamental aspect of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, aim to simplify complex issues and direct focus to the crucial aspect. Alternatives such as "core issue" or "root cause" can offer similar clarity. Just ensure you're not overusing abstract language when a more specific description would be more impactful. "Essence of the problem" is a valuable tool for writers who aim to address issues efficiently and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core issue

Focuses on the central point of contention or difficulty.

root cause

Emphasizes the fundamental origin from which the problem arises.

central question

Highlights the key inquiry that needs to be addressed.

heart of the matter

Identifies the most important or critical aspect.

key element

Singles out a crucial component that is essential to the problem.

underlying issue

Points to a less obvious but fundamental problem.

crux of the issue

Highlights the decisive point that resolves the problem.

gist of the problem

Refers to the main point or general idea.

fundamental nature

Addresses the basic or essential qualities of the problem.

chief concern

Highlights the primary worry or source of anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "essence of the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "essence of the problem" to highlight the most important aspect of an issue. For example, "The essence of the problem is the lack of funding for research."

What's a simpler way to say "essence of the problem"?

Alternatives to "essence of the problem" include "core issue", "root cause", or "heart of the matter".

When is it appropriate to use "essence of the problem"?

Use "essence of the problem" when you want to emphasize the most fundamental aspect of a complex situation, especially when simplifying it for discussion or analysis. It's suitable when focusing on the central issue is critical.

What's the difference between "essence of the problem" and "symptoms of the problem"?

"Essence of the problem" refers to the core issue, while "symptoms of the problem" are the outward signs or manifestations of that issue. Addressing the "root cause", the essence, is more effective than merely treating the symptoms.