far greater problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far greater problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a problem is significantly more serious or severe than another issue being discussed. Example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, the far greater problem is the lack of resources for our staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"Car exhaust is a far greater problem".

The Guardian

Forget overbearing Brussels; a far greater problem is sleazy Westminster.

The Guardian - Opinion

England have a far greater problem awaiting them: transition.

The Guardian - Sport

A far greater problem is the excessive fawning over unsympathetic characters like Darla D. Moore.

The New York Times

But a far greater problem is the shortage of materials, including leather (reported Mr. Altuzarra).

The New York Times

But if they can't be reconciled pretty soon, Pakistan could be a far greater problem than Afghanistan ever was.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Other people have far greater problems".

The Guardian - Sport

Extracting value from private data presents far greater problems.

The Guardian

McFadyen wanted to be sure that insect infestation was not at work, because that could hint at far greater problems than aesthetics.

The New York Times - Sports

"The charcoal problem is really a symptom of the far greater problems we're facing," said Mr. Ali of the Somali research institute.

The New York Times

I guess I should have smelt a rat but I had far greater problems to sort out and missed the obvious.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far greater problem", ensure the comparison is clear. What is the original, lesser problem being contrasted with?

Common error

Avoid using "far greater problem" too frequently in your writing. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "significantly larger issue" or "more pressing concern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far greater problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "far greater" acts as a compound adjective modifying the noun "problem". It is used to identify and emphasize a particular issue as being more significant than another. As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is widely employed across various domains to highlight the relative importance of challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far greater problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize the significance of one issue over another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and appropriate in various contexts, particularly within news, science, and formal writing. While the phrase is generally neutral, overuse should be avoided to maintain impact. Consider alternatives such as "significantly larger issue" or "more pressing concern" to diversify your writing. When using "far greater problem", always make the comparison clear to avoid ambiguity. Top authoritative sources for this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly larger issue

Emphasizes the difference in size or scope of the problem.

a much more serious challenge

Underscores the severity of the problem.

considerably more significant difficulty

Highlights the importance and complexity of the challenge.

substantially more pressing concern

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the problem.

appreciably more complex issue

Highlights the increased level of intricacy and complication.

a markedly bigger predicament

Emphasizes the noticeable difference in the scale of the unfavorable situation.

noticeably larger obstacle

Focuses on the magnitude of the barrier or impediment.

materially greater setback

Indicates a significant negative impact or reversal.

a genuinely worse situation

Focuses on the real and significant deterioration of circumstances.

a substantially bigger headache

Highlights the annoyance and difficulty caused by the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "far greater problem" in a sentence?

You can use "far greater problem" to emphasize that one issue is much more serious than another. For example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, the "far greater problem" is the lack of resources for our staff."

What can I say instead of "far greater problem"?

You can use alternatives like "significantly larger issue", "more pressing concern", or "much more serious challenge" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "far greater problem"?

While "greater" already implies a comparison, "far greater" is used for emphasis to highlight a significant difference in magnitude or severity. Consider context to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

What is the difference between "far greater problem" and "bigger issue"?

"Far greater problem" suggests a more substantial difference in size or importance than simply a "bigger issue". The "far" emphasizes a more significant disparity.