it was quite a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

'it was quite a problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that was difficult or challenging to deal with. For example, "The chair for the meeting hadn't arrived on time, so it was quite a problem for the organizers to find a suitable replacement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was quite a problem just scaling the planets down to a workable size.

The Guardian

"It was quite a problem at the start but I've learnt to calm my stress-levels down.

The Guardian - Sport

It was quite a problem to locate a real Tarzan, Mr. Bergman found one by getting a sturdy giant six feet four, and weighed two hundred-and thirty-five pounds.

The New Yorker

It was quite a problem with Tetris that… the game is very intense, you know?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's quite a problem watching the pottery, and guards have to be constantly on the watch to see that it does not walk off the shelf and smash itself to pieces.

The New Yorker

Nobody responded for a few moments, then she cleared her throat and said, "Yes, it's quite a problem".

Vice

"The problem he came for last time was a much more widespread problem in the elbow – it was quite a serious problem he had before," confirmed Dr O'Driscoll.

The Guardian - Sport

"Falling out of the door was an embarrassment but we have got easy access now so it's not a problem, but it was quite a nasty thing cos the pavement went like that and then you had a step and then you had the front door with a very high threshold and although I had a handle on the door, as I said my hands were full so I just went flying…" (Group 2, PB3).

BMC Geriatrics

And they remember that it was quite a normal country with lots of problems and oddities, but nevertheless quite suitable for living and which had quite a few advantages and achievements.

The New York Times

And it's quite a British problem – heaven knows that we on the continent like to make arses of ourselves after a few bottles of wine too, but rarely to the extent that people here do.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is quite a different problem from broad racial discrimination: less serious, but also harder to solve.In the 1960s and 1970s many Pakistani men were brought to England's northern towns to work the night shifts in textile mills a last-ditch effort to sustain a dying, uncompetitive industry.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was quite a problem", ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

While acceptable, "it was quite a problem" can sound less formal. In academic or professional writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language to specify the nature and impact of the issue. Instead of saying "it was quite a problem", detail the particular challenges the problem presented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was quite a problem" functions as a statement acknowledging a difficulty or challenge. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe scaling planets to workable sizes, managing stress levels, or locating a specific person. The phrase frames something as presenting more than a minor inconvenience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was quite a problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to acknowledge a notable difficulty or challenge. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. While not overly formal, it is appropriate for a range of contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to, and in more formal settings, consider using more precise and descriptive alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presented a considerable difficulty

Indicates a significant level of difficulty.

it posed a major challenge

Emphasizes the challenging aspect of the situation.

it was a significant obstacle

Highlights the obstructive nature of the problem.

it constituted a tough issue

Uses simpler language to convey the problematic nature.

it proved to be troublesome

Focuses on the inconvenience caused by the problem.

it engendered some complications

Suggests the problem led to additional complexities.

it wasn't an easy fix

Highlights the difficulty in resolving the problem.

it was rather thorny

Employs metaphorical language to describe the problem as complex and difficult to handle.

it was not without its hitches

Acknowledges the existence of minor issues or setbacks.

it involved nontrivial issues

Indicates problems with some importance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was quite a problem" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it presented a considerable difficulty", "it posed a major challenge", or "it constituted a significant obstacle".

What's a simpler way to say "it was quite a problem"?

Simpler alternatives include "it was a tough issue", "it proved to be troublesome", or /s/"it+wasn't+an+easy+fix".

Is "it was quite a problem" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was quite a problem" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

When is it appropriate to use "it was quite a problem" in writing?

This phrase is suitable for situations where you want to acknowledge a difficulty or challenge without being overly formal. It fits well in news articles, personal narratives, and general discussions.