fundamental problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental problem" is an acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to a problem that is the source of other problems or has a great impact on the situation. For example: "The fundamental problem of homelessness remains unsolved in many places."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a fundamental problem".

The New Yorker

But the fundamental problem remains.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is the fundamental problem.

The Guardian

The fundamental problem is cultural.

The Guardian

The fundamental problem is space.

The Guardian - Sport

Isn't that a fundamental problem?

The Guardian

But film has a fundamental problem.

The Economist

The more fundamental problem is talent.

The New York Times

This points to a fundamental problem.

The New York Times

But there is a more fundamental problem.

The New Yorker

It is a fundamental problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental problem", ensure it accurately identifies the core issue, not just a symptom. Clarity here strengthens your argument and focuses the discussion.

Common error

Avoid labeling every problem as a "fundamental problem". Reserve it for issues that truly underpin other problems or significantly impact the system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental problem" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the primary or essential issue in a given situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to pinpoint the core challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental problem" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression for identifying core issues. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, followed by Academia and Science, indicating its broad applicability. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately pinpoints the root cause, not just a symptom. Consider alternatives like "core issue" or "root cause" for nuanced expression. Be careful not to overuse it, reserving it for issues that truly underpin other problems. The phrase’s consistent usage and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability and importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core issue

Focuses on the central element of a problem.

central challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty at the heart of a situation.

root cause

Highlights the origin or source of a problem.

underlying issue

Refers to a less obvious but important problem.

primary obstacle

Highlights the main hindrance to progress.

key difficulty

Stresses the main challenge to overcome.

major impediment

Focuses on a significant barrier.

basic flaw

Indicates a critical defect or fault.

chief concern

Emphasizes the main worry or issue.

principal concern

Highlights the foremost matter of interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental problem" to highlight the core issue of a situation. For example, "The "fundamental problem" is the lack of resources."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental problem"?

Alternatives include "core issue", "root cause", or "underlying issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the most fundamental problem"?

While grammatically correct, using "the most fundamental problem" can be redundant. "Fundamental problem" already implies a base or core issue, so adding "most" is often unnecessary.

What's the difference between a "fundamental problem" and a "major problem"?

A "major problem" is significant in scale or impact, while a "fundamental problem" is a root cause that underlies other problems. A major problem might be addressed directly, but a fundamental problem requires addressing the system or foundation.