it was a big problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a big problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a significant issue or challenge that was encountered in a situation. Example: "During the project, it was a big problem that we ran out of resources unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Really, it was a big problem.

The New York Times

"It was a big problem.

The Guardian

And so, it was a big problem.

Yale University

It was a big problem for me.

The New York Times - Sports

"It took us about 90 years to discover it was a big problem," Dr. Willett said.

The New York Times

Was that the case at Novell? Yes, and it was a big problem.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's a big problem".

The New York Times

But it is a big problem.

The Economist

It is a big problem for Turkey".

The New York Times

Wow, it's a big problem.

The New Yorker

"It's a big problem with him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was a big problem", ensure the context clearly explains what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The new system had many bugs; it was a big problem", specify: "The new system had many bugs; this created a significant operational problem."

Common error

Avoid using "it was a big problem" as a generic statement without providing specific details about the nature and impact of the problem. Instead, elaborate on the specific consequences or challenges caused by the problem to provide more context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a big problem" functions as a statement expressing that a particular situation or issue caused significant difficulty or trouble. It serves to highlight the negative impact or challenge posed by something. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

12%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a big problem" is a commonly used phrase to express that something caused significant difficulty. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates its prevalence across various contexts, from news articles to academic discussions. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for certain situations. To enhance clarity, ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to and elaborate on the specific consequences of the problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presented a major challenge

Replaces 'problem' with 'challenge' and uses 'presented' to indicate the issue's emergence.

it constituted a significant difficulty

Substitutes 'big problem' with 'significant difficulty', using more formal language.

it posed a considerable obstacle

Replaces 'problem' with 'obstacle' and 'big' with 'considerable' to highlight the hindering nature of the issue.

it created a substantial setback

Changes the focus to the consequence, emphasizing the negative impact as a 'setback'.

it became a critical concern

Shifts the emphasis to the level of worry and importance, using 'critical concern'.

it engendered a serious crisis

Implies a more severe situation, using 'crisis' to convey a sense of urgency and potential danger.

it proved to be a major headache

Uses the idiom 'major headache' to describe something that is annoying and difficult to deal with.

it was a tough situation

Simplifies the phrase to a more general description of a difficult circumstance.

it represented a formidable issue

Emphasizes the scale and difficulty of the issue, describing it as 'formidable'.

it caused significant disruption

Highlights the disruptive effect of the problem, focusing on the disturbance it created.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "it was a big problem"?

You can use alternatives like "it presented a major challenge", "it constituted a significant difficulty", or "it posed a considerable obstacle" depending on the context.

How can I make my use of "it was a big problem" more specific?

Instead of just stating "it was a big problem", provide context by explaining what "it" refers to and what the consequences of the problem were. For example, "The lack of funding was a big problem, leading to project delays and reduced scope."

Is "it was a big problem" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was a big problem" may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "the situation presented a significant challenge" or "the issue constituted a major impediment."

What is the difference between saying "it was a big problem" and "it was a major issue"?

The phrases are quite similar. "It was a major issue" can sometimes imply a broader scope or impact, while "it was a big problem" often refers to a specific obstacle or difficulty within a given situation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.