heart of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heart of the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in any written context where you need to refer to the main issue or challenge in a particular situation. For example, "We must get to the heart of the problem in order to find a permanent solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There lies the heart of the problem.

The New York Times

"That's the heart of the problem.

The New York Times

Maybe that's the heart of the problem?

The Guardian

Isn't this the heart of the problem?

The New York Times - Arts

This is the heart of the problem with Diabetes.

Harvard University

Confusion lies at the heart of the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Leadership is at the heart of the problem.

The Guardian

Which is really the heart of the problem.

The Guardian - Books

But they don't cut to the heart of the problem.

The New York Times - Sports

"They are not getting to the heart of the problem.

The New York Times

He said, "The heart of the problem is the Shah.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heart of the problem" to pinpoint the most essential aspect of a complex situation, avoiding superficial details. This helps focus discussions and solutions effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "heart of the problem" when a simpler term like "issue" or "difficulty" suffices. Reserve it for situations where deeper analysis and understanding are required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heart of the problem" functions as a noun phrase identifying the central and most crucial aspect of a difficulty or challenge. It is used to pinpoint the core issue that needs addressing, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heart of the problem" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves to highlight the core issue within a complex situation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where a deeper analysis is required, the phrase effectively pinpoints the central difficulty needing attention. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communications, ensuring that the focus remains on the fundamental aspect requiring resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core issue

Emphasizes the central element that needs addressing.

crux of the matter

Indicates the most important point that needs to be resolved.

critical issue

Emphasizes the importance and urgency of the problem.

central difficulty

Highlights the primary obstacle or challenge.

underlying issue

Refers to a less obvious, but fundamental, problem.

root cause

Identifies the fundamental reason something is happening; more clinical.

key challenge

Points out the most significant hurdle to overcome.

main obstacle

Focuses on the principal impediment blocking progress.

primary concern

Identifies the most significant source of worry or anxiety.

fundamental question

Highlights the underlying inquiry that needs answering.

FAQs

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

You can use "heart of the problem" to emphasize the core issue of a situation, such as, "The "heart of the problem" is the lack of funding for this project".

What's a more formal alternative to "heart of the problem"?

A more formal alternative would be "the root cause" or "the underlying issue", depending on the context. These phrases are often used in academic or professional settings.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "heart of the problem"?

While grammatically correct, using "heart of the problem" might be excessive in very simple situations where the issue is already clear. In those cases, consider using a simpler term like "issue".

How does ""heart of the problem"" differ from "a symptom of the problem"?

"Heart of the problem" refers to the fundamental issue, whereas "a symptom of the problem" is merely an indicator or sign resulting from the core issue.