extent of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

'extent of the problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the size or scope of an issue or difficulty. For example, "We are still unclear about the exact extent of the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The extent of the problem is unclear.

The New York Times

But the extent of the problem was hushed up.

The New York Times - Arts

I wish this was the full extent of the problem.

The Guardian

The extent of the problem is a matter of dispute.

The New York Times

He said: "We never realised the extent of the problem.

The Guardian

Mexican authorities know full well the extent of the problem.

The New York Times

Vodafone has admitted the extent of the problem.

The Guardian - Money

We don't know the full extent of the problem".

The New York Times

There was no denial about the extent of the problem".

The Guardian

"We are clear about the extent of the problem.

Independent

Even these figures conceal the extent of the problem.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex issues, use "extent of the problem" to clearly convey the scope and impact, ensuring your audience understands the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "extent of the problem" lightly. Ensure your assessment accurately reflects the gravity of the situation to prevent misleading or undermining necessary actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extent of the problem" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., 'determine', 'understand', 'assess') or as a complement to a noun (e.g., 'assessment of the'). Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extent of the problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the scope or magnitude of an issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and informal contexts, though predominantly found in news, scientific, and business domains. Common synonyms include "magnitude of the problem" and "scope of the problem". When using this phrase, ensure that your assessment accurately reflects the gravity of the situation. The phrase is very common, validated by its wide usage in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magnitude of the problem

Focuses on the size or importance of the issue.

scope of the problem

Emphasizes the range or area affected by the issue.

seriousness of the problem

Highlights the severity and potential consequences.

depth of the problem

Indicates how deeply rooted or complex the issue is.

scale of the problem

Refers to the size and reach of the problem.

gravity of the problem

Stresses the importance and potential danger.

implications of the problem

Focuses on the consequences and effects.

dimensions of the problem

Considers the various aspects and measurements of the issue.

degree of the problem

Indicates the intensity or level of the issue.

ramifications of the problem

Highlights the complex and far-reaching consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "extent of the problem" to describe the scale or scope of an issue. For example, "We need to determine the "extent of the problem" before we can develop effective solutions."

What are some alternatives to "extent of the problem"?

Alternatives include "magnitude of the problem", "scope of the problem", or "seriousness of the problem", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "size of the problem" or "extent of the problem"?

While both are acceptable, "extent of the problem" often implies a more comprehensive assessment, considering not just the size but also the impact and implications, whereas "size of the problem" refers mainly to the measure.

What does "understate the extent of the problem" mean?

To "understate the extent of the problem" means to minimize or represent the issue as less significant than it actually is. It suggests that the true scope and impact are greater than what is being acknowledged.