less of a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'less of a problem' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a situation or issue that has been diminished in severity, or that is less severe than it was before. For example: "Now that we have implemented these new procedures, this issue is less of a problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iran has much less of a problem.

The Economist

Drawing audiences is less of a problem.

The New York Times

Food is less of a problem.

The New York Times

"It's much less of a problem than you've heard.

Harvard University

Interference has been much less of a problem since then.

Cornell University

Sadly, providing tents is less of a problem in Bhachau.

The New York Times

This is of course less of a problem for Isis.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You probably have less of a problem than some companies.

The Guardian

"In eastern Europe, it is less of a problem".

The Guardian

This is less of a problem for protein fibrils.

MIT Technology Review

That may seem less of a problem now.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less of a problem" to indicate a positive change where a previously significant issue has decreased in importance or severity.

Common error

Avoid using "less of a problem" when you actually mean "not a problem at all". Ensure the issue still exists, but its impact has been reduced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less of a problem" functions as a descriptive term indicating a reduction in the severity or significance of an issue. Ludwig highlights its frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less of a problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a situation that has improved or become less troublesome. Ludwig's analysis of numerous real-world examples reveals that this phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, you can confidently use "less of a problem" to convey that an issue is not as severe as it once was. Remember to use it when something is still a problem, but its impact has lessened. Alternatives include "not as problematic", "not such a big deal", and "reduced concern".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as problematic

Emphasizes the reduction in the degree to which something causes difficulties.

not such a big deal

Offers a more informal way to suggest that something is not as serious as it might seem.

reduced concern

Highlights the lessening of worry or anxiety related to a particular issue.

smaller obstacle

Focuses on the diminished size or impact of a barrier or challenge.

declining issue

Indicates that a particular problem is becoming less prevalent or important.

easier to manage

Suggests that something is now more controllable and less likely to cause complications.

not as challenging

Focuses on the decreased difficulty in dealing with a specific situation.

less troublesome

Highlights that something is causing fewer difficulties or inconveniences.

mitigated concern

Implies that steps have been taken to alleviate worries related to a particular issue.

diminished in significance

Indicates a reduction in the importance or relevance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "less of a problem" in a sentence?

Use "less of a problem" to indicate that a particular issue has decreased in severity or impact. For example, "Now that we've updated the software, compatibility is "less of a problem"."

What are some alternatives to saying "less of a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "not as problematic", "not such a big deal", or "reduced concern" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "less of a problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "less of a problem" is suitable for both formal and informal writing contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.

What's the difference between "less of a problem" and "no problem"?

"Less of a problem" implies that an issue still exists but is diminished, while "no problem" indicates that an issue has been completely resolved or is not significant in the first place.