heavy problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavy problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when referring to a difficult or complex issue that requires a great deal of effort to resolve. For example: "The company is facing a heavy problem in dealing with a labor dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is a heavy problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gene Heyman, a lecturer and research psychologist at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, said in an interview that "between 60 and 80percentt of people who meet criteria for addiction in their teens and 20s are no longer heavy, problem users by their 30s".

The New York Times - Health

The effect of sex was not explained by any of the many compositional differences between men and women observed in our study, with the partial exception of lifelong and heavy problem drinking, which was more or less a male preserve, and which, upon adjustment, attenuated slightly the effect of male sex on mortality.

BMC Public Health

1. MV = Number of missing values There was an elevated mortality risk among ever smokers compared with those using smokeless tobacco and non-smokers, and a significant trend for an increasing risk with increasing levels of drinking from total abstinence through to heavy problem drinkers (Table 4).

BMC Public Health

Those who answered yes to either or both of the questions 'Has there ever been a period of several years when you would have said that you were a heavy drinker?' and 'Have you ever had treatment or help for drinking from a doctor or some other agency?' were identified as heavy problem drinkers.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We're not seeing heavy problems," Mr. Trossman said.

The New York Times

"I wanted it to be light, because I feel that people come in with very heavy problems," she said.

The New Yorker

It is known that the small vascular grafts made of ePTFE and PET material would often result in heavy problems such as the formation of a thrombus before the formation of the pseudo living body structure when implanted for period of time.

BioMed Research International

Ultimately consulting is an interesting job only if you truly enjoy the work: be prepared to work long hours in small rooms with a small team, on very data and analytic heavy problems.

WikiHow

Problem 1: Yes or No? (the people of Ennui have the same word for yes & no--yes) Problem 2: Expressly for You (when two trains will meet) Problem 3: Murder Ahoy! (who murdered Wilbur W. Waterfall) Problem 4: The Odd Ball (which iron cannonball is the heaviest) Problem 5: Safari (cannibals & missionaries cross a river from N.J. to N.Y).

The New Yorker

It's easy to see how replicating "Siri for work" is a much heavier problem to solve because of the variance amongst organizational processes, systems and preferences.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavy problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the significant impact or difficulty associated with the issue being described. This phrasing is best suited for situations where the problem presents a substantial obstacle or challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy problem" for minor inconveniences. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for truly significant issues that warrant the strong adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "heavy" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms its usability, suggesting it is a valid and understandable construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to describe a significant or burdensome issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in news and media as well as scientific contexts, highlighting its widespread applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely warrants the descriptor, as overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives such as "serious issue", "significant challenge", or "difficult situation" can be used depending on the specific context to better tailor the writing style and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious issue

This alternative replaces "problem" with "issue" while maintaining the sense of importance.

significant challenge

This phrase uses "challenge" to frame the problem as something to overcome, adding a layer of complexity.

difficult situation

This alternative replaces the abstract "problem" with the more concrete "situation", emphasizing the practical implications.

major concern

This phrase highlights the worry associated with the problem, shifting the focus to the emotional aspect.

complex matter

This alternative emphasizes the intricate and involved nature of the problem.

burdensome task

This phrasing frames the problem as a duty that weighs heavily on someone.

pressing dilemma

The urgency and decisiveness required to solve the problem are highlighted by this substitution.

tough predicament

This alternative highlights the complexity and difficulty of the situation.

grave concern

This alternative underscores the seriousness and potential danger associated with the problem.

considerable difficulty

This phrase emphasizes the magnitude of the hardship caused by the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "heavy problem" to describe a difficult or complex issue. For example: "The company is facing a "heavy problem" with its supply chain."

What are some alternatives to saying "heavy problem"?

Alternatives to "heavy problem" include "serious issue", "significant challenge", or "difficult situation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "heavy problem"?

It's appropriate to use "heavy problem" when describing a situation that presents a substantial obstacle or challenge. It should be reserved for issues that have a significant impact.

Is there a difference between "heavy problem" and "big problem"?

While both phrases indicate a significant issue, "heavy problem" often implies a more burdensome or complex challenge than "big problem". "Heavy" suggests a weight or difficulty associated with the problem.