experience a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "experience a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone encounters an issue or difficulty. Example: "During the project, we began to experience a problem with the software that delayed our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Four out of five cars now experience a problem in the first six months of ownership.

The Economist

If you experience a problem that isn't listed there, submit it to CXC Helpdesk.

Harvard University

If you can suggest a link, or if you experience a problem: email me.

University of California, Berkeley

We all appreciate in theory that others may experience a problem differently (or not see it at all).

Harvard Business Review

One in seven Americans will experience a problem with alcohol or other drug misuse in their lifetimes, and some 20 million have current substance use disorders.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a close look at Anderson's game through four days of training camp, Coach Jeff Van Gundy and Sprewell said today that the Knicks could once again experience a problem with minutes with their swingmen.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The weather instrument experienced a problem that engineers figured out a day later.

The New York Times - Science

On Twitter, he said: "Falcon 9 experienced a problem shortly before first stage shutdown.

The Guardian

For the past few months, I have been experiencing a problem with an eyelid spasm.

Columbia University

The Desktop Everywhere Service (VDI) is experiencing a problem with non-Kiosk subscribers.

Cornell University

Indeed, 81% of mothers surveyed in another recent study said they had experienced a problem with their mental health.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "experience a problem", clearly define the nature of the problem to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We experienced a problem", specify "We experienced a problem with the database server that caused downtime."

Common error

Avoid using "experience a problem" to passively describe an issue without identifying the source or cause. For example, instead of saying "A problem was experienced", state "The team experienced a problem due to a software bug".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "experience a problem" functions as a verb phrase, where "experience" acts as the main verb and "a problem" serves as the direct object. This phrase is used to describe the act of encountering or undergoing a difficulty or issue, as exemplified by Ludwig's sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "experience a problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe encountering a difficulty or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While several alternatives exist, like "encounter an issue" or "face a difficulty", it's important to provide specific details about the nature of the problem for clarity. Avoiding passive voice and providing context are key to effective communication when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter an issue

Replaces "experience" with "encounter" and "problem" with "issue", providing a slightly more formal tone.

face a difficulty

Substitutes "experience" with "face" and "problem" with "difficulty", emphasizing the challenge aspect.

run into trouble

Uses the idiomatic expression "run into trouble" instead of a more direct phrasing.

have a setback

Replaces "problem" with "setback", focusing on the hindering nature of the issue.

meet with obstacles

Similar to "face a difficulty" but with a slightly more elevated register.

undergo a challenge

Implies a process of enduring a challenge, changing the focus slightly.

be confronted with a snag

Introduces a more informal term "snag" for problem.

find oneself in a bind

Uses an idiom to indicate being in a difficult situation.

get into a predicament

Substitutes "problem" with "predicament", suggesting a more complex or awkward situation.

suffer a complication

Emphasizes the negative consequence of the problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "experience a problem" in a formal context?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "encounter an issue", "face a difficulty", or "meet with obstacles" for a more professional tone.

What's a more casual way to say "experience a problem"?

For informal situations, you might say "run into trouble", "get into a predicament", or "find oneself in a bind".

Is it better to use "experience a problem" or "experienced a problem"?

The choice depends on the context. "Experience a problem" is often used in general statements or when describing a potential issue. "Experienced a problem" refers to a specific instance in the past. For example, "One in seven Americans will "experience a problem" with alcohol misuse," versus "The weather instrument "experienced a problem" that engineers figured out a day later."

What are some alternatives to "problem" in "experience a problem"?

Depending on the specific issue, you could replace "problem" with words like "issue", "difficulty", "setback", "complication", or "challenge".