litany of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "litany of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a long list or series of issues or difficulties that someone is facing. Example: "The report highlighted a litany of problems that needed to be addressed before the project could move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The litany of problems appears endless.

The Guardian

"There's been a litany of problems," Mr. Hagan said.

The New York Times

But with success came the inevitable litany of problems.

The Guardian - Tech

Ms. Lindsley goes through a litany of problems that have caused her grave concern.

The New York Times

Chocolate has been implicated in causing a litany of problems including acne and obesity.

The Economist

There is, of course, no simple solution to this litany of problems.

The Guardian

We're still work on the recognition of accents, and there are a litany of problems.

The Guardian - Tech

Once they opened that Pandora's box, it launched this whole litany of problems".

The New York Times - Tech

Southern grumps Closer to the capital Kick out racism Reprints Related topics Nigeria ZimbabweThe litany of problems seems endless.

The Economist

Despite the litany of problems, fitness-to-work assessor Atos has now twice declared him well enough for the workplace.

Independent

The election, one of the most unusual in recent Southeast Asian history, was complicated by a litany of problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "litany of problems" to introduce a comprehensive list of issues, especially when you want to emphasize the extensive or overwhelming nature of the difficulties. For example, "The project failed due to a "litany of problems", including poor planning, lack of resources, and inadequate communication."

Common error

While "litany of problems" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler phrases like "many issues" or "a lot of problems" to avoid sounding pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "litany of problems" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence, referring to a long and often tedious list of issues. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "litany of problems" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an extensive series of issues. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, emphasizing the complexity and often overwhelming nature of the difficulties being discussed. While suitable for formal and neutral communication, simpler alternatives might be preferred in informal settings. Remember to use it when you need to express that the issues are numerous and varied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catalogue of problems

Replaces "litany" with "catalogue", suggesting a more organized and itemized list.

series of problems

Uses "series" to indicate a sequence of issues, maintaining a formal tone.

list of problems

A straightforward alternative using "list" for simplicity and clarity.

plethora of problems

Emphasizes the abundance of issues using "plethora", adding a slightly more dramatic effect.

checklist of problems

Replaces "litany" with "checklist", suggesting a more actionable or task-oriented list.

suite of problems

Uses "suite" to imply a related or interconnected set of problems.

variety of problems

Highlights the diverse nature of the issues with "variety".

number of problems

A more general term that implies a large amount of issues.

spate of problems

Uses "spate" to indicate a sudden and intense outbreak of problems.

array of problems

Emphasizes the arrangement of issues using "array".

FAQs

How can I use "litany of problems" in a sentence?

You can use "litany of problems" to describe a long series of difficulties or issues. For instance, "The company faced a "litany of problems" this year, ranging from supply chain disruptions to declining sales."

What are some alternatives to "litany of problems"?

Alternatives include "catalogue of problems", "series of problems", or simply "list of problems", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is "litany of problems" formal or informal?

"Litany of problems" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, and business documents. However, it might sound too formal in very casual conversations. When being informal, you can choose alternatives such as "many issues" or "a lot of problems".

Which is correct, "litany of problems" or "litany of problem"?

"Litany of problems" is the correct form. "Problems" should be plural because "litany" implies a long list or series of multiple issues.