is a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

'is a problem' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing an issue or when expressing that something may be difficult or challenging, i.e. "A lack of funding is a problem for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a problem.

The New York Times

"It is a problem".

The New York Times

Fitness is a problem.

The Economist

"Everything is a problem".

The New Yorker

There is a problem here.

Independent

But reception is a problem.

The New York Times

Monetary policy is a problem.

The Economist

This, too, is a problem.

The New Yorker

That is a problem, yes.

The Economist

There is a problem, though.

The New York Times

And this is a problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a problem", be specific about what the problem is and why it is significant. Providing context helps the reader understand the severity and potential impact of the issue.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "X is a problem" without explaining why X is problematic. Always provide details and consequences to make the statement more informative and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a problem" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject with a noun phrase that describes an existing issue or difficulty. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to identify an issue or difficulty. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its widespread use across various contexts, including news, business, and science. While generally neutral in tone, providing context and specific details about the problem enhances the impact and clarity of the statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is readily usable in written English, serving as a straightforward means of acknowledging and addressing existing issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presents a challenge

Replaces the direct term "problem" with the more nuanced "challenge", softening the negative connotation.

poses a difficulty

Emphasizes the aspect of hardship or complication rather than a simple issue.

constitutes an issue

Formal and emphasizes the official or significant nature of the problem.

represents a setback

Focuses on the hindering or delaying effect of the problem.

creates an obstacle

Highlights the barrier or impediment aspect of the situation.

involves a complication

Points out the intricate or complex nature of the difficulty.

is proving troublesome

Indicates that something is currently causing difficulty or annoyance.

is a source of concern

Focuses on the anxiety or worry caused by the issue.

demands attention

Shifts the focus to the need for action to resolve the difficulty.

gives rise to concerns

Emphasizes how something originates or leads to worry and reservations.

FAQs

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

Use "is a problem" to identify an issue or difficulty. For example, "Lack of funding "is a problem" for the project" or "Communication breakdown "is a problem" within the team".

What are some alternatives to saying "is a problem"?

You can use phrases like "presents a challenge", "poses a difficulty", or "constitutes an issue" to express a similar meaning with different emphasis.

Is it better to say "is a problem" or "presents a challenge"?

The choice depends on the context. "Is a problem" is a direct statement of an issue. "Presents a challenge" "presents a challenge" suggests the issue requires effort and resourcefulness to overcome.

How can I make the phrase "is a problem" more impactful?

Provide context and explain the consequences of the problem. Instead of saying "The budget "is a problem"", say "The budget "is a problem", which will delay the project timeline and potentially reduce the scope of deliverables".