has been a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an issue has existed over a period of time and may still be ongoing. Example: "The lack of communication between departments has been a problem for our project’s success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there has been a problem.

The New York Times

And buzz has been a problem.

The New York Times

So far, this has been a problem.

The New Yorker

But his inconsistency has been a problem.

The New York Times

"And pass protection has been a problem".

The New York Times - Sports

It has been a problem.

The New York Times

"Yes, there has been a problem.

The Washington Post

"It consistently has been a problem".

The New York Times

Offense has been a problem, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Cameron says this has been a problem.

The Guardian

"Never has been a problem," he wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been a problem", ensure the context clearly defines what "the problem" is and its impact. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been a problem" as a vague statement. Always follow it with a clear explanation of the problem and its consequences. Instead of saying, "Project X has been a problem", specify, "Project X has been a problem due to lack of funding and resource allocation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been a problem" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular subject has caused difficulty or issues over a period of time. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been a problem" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something has caused difficulties over time. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, providing specific details about the problem enhances clarity. Alternatives like "has posed a challenge" or "has remained an issue" can be used for variety. Remember to avoid vague statements and clearly define the problem and its impact for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has remained an issue

Suggests the problem has persisted over time.

has posed a challenge

Suggests a difficulty that requires effort to resolve; slightly more formal.

has become problematic

Highlights the process of turning into a problem.

has presented an obstacle

Implies a barrier that needs to be overcome; more formal.

has been a hindrance

Focuses on the aspect of obstruction; slightly more formal.

has created difficulties

Highlights the act of generating problems; slightly more active voice.

has proven troublesome

Emphasizes the annoying or difficult nature of the problem.

has given rise to issues

Indicates the start or emergence of problems; more formal.

has caused complications

Stresses the introduction of complexity and difficulty.

has been a source of concern

Highlights the emotional or worrying aspect of the problem.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "has been a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "has posed a challenge", "has become problematic", or "has remained an issue" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "has been a problem" in a sentence?

Use "has been a problem" to indicate that something has caused difficulties or issues over a period of time. For example: "The lack of communication "has been a problem" for the team."

Is "has been a problem" formal or informal?

"Has been a problem" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "has been a problem" and "is a problem"?

"Has been a problem" indicates that the issue has existed for some time, whereas "is a problem" refers to a current issue. For instance, "The outdated software "has been a problem" for years," versus, "The outdated software "is a problem" right now."