least problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least problems" is not standard in written English and may be confusing.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express a preference for situations with minimal issues, but it is better to use more common expressions. Example: "We should aim for solutions that create the least problems for everyone involved."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Interestingly, it appears those with predefined roles and technical responsibilities requiring busy, daily routines display the least problems. .

BBC

"The extent of the problem in Europe is breathtaking, although Sweden is among the countries with the least problems," Ms Malmstroem wrote in Sweden's Goeteborgs-Posten daily.

BBC

Sweden "is undoubtedly one of the countries with the least problems with corruption, and other EU countries should learn from Sweden's solutions for dealing with the problem", Ms Malmstroem said, pointing to the role of laws on transparency and openness.

BBC

The data presented in quite a number of studies indicates, however, that individuals carrying short alleles (s/s, s/l) did not just function most poorly when exposed to many stressors, but best— showing least problems — when encountering few or none (e.g., Wilhelm et al., 2006).

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

The patients, both women and men report least problems with emotional function.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Non-hospitalized patients with lower IES-scores reported least problems on the HUI3 health domains.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

At least two problems here.

The New York Times

At least two problems tangle this sentence.

The New York Times

There are, at least, three problems here.

The New Yorker

There are at least two problems with this strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The president now faces at least two problems politically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If using "least problems", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to the situation with the fewest negative issues.

Common error

Avoid using "least problems" in highly formal contexts, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more conventional phrases to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least problems" functions primarily as a modifier to describe a situation, solution, or approach characterized by the fewest difficulties or issues. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to qualify different scenarios across news, scientific, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "least problems" is generally understandable and used across different contexts, it's not as grammatically precise as alternatives like "fewest issues" or "minimal problems". Ludwig shows that it appears in news, media, and scientific sources, but the Ludwig AI recommends using more conventional phrasing for clarity, particularly in formal writing. Consider opting for alternatives like "fewest difficulties" or "minimal concerns" to enhance the precision and impact of your writing. The key is to select the phrase that best conveys your intended meaning with the utmost clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal issues

Emphasizes the scarcity of issues.

fewest difficulties

Highlights the reduced number of difficulties encountered.

smallest number of concerns

Focuses on reducing the quantity of concerns.

negligible troubles

Indicates that troubles are insignificant.

minimum complications

Stresses the reduction of complex elements or issues.

least amount of hassle

Focuses on reducing inconvenience or effort.

reduced challenges

Highlights the lessening of difficulties.

easiest solutions

Focuses on the solutions that create less difficulties.

simplest resolution

Highlights finding an uncomplicated solution to a difficulty

smoothest process

Highlights a process without difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "least problems" in a sentence?

You can use "least problems" to describe a situation or solution that involves the fewest difficulties or issues. For example, "The approach that generates the "least problems" is the one we should implement." However, consider using alternatives like "fewest issues" or "minimal problems" for improved clarity.

What are some alternatives to using "least problems"?

Alternatives to "least problems" include "fewest issues", "minimal problems", "smallest number of concerns", or "negligible troubles". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "least problems"?

While understandable, "least problems" is not as grammatically standard as "fewest problems" or "minimal problems". The word "fewest" is generally used for countable nouns (like problems), whereas "least" is more common with uncountable nouns (like effort or hassle).

What is the difference between saying "least problems" and "fewest problems"?

Although often used interchangeably, "fewest problems" is generally considered more grammatically correct because "problems" is a countable noun. "Least problems" isn't technically incorrect and it can be understood, but "fewest" is more precise and widely accepted in formal writing.