little problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little problem" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor issue or difficulty. Example: "I'm sorry to bother you, but there's a little problem with the printer. It seems to be out of ink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One little problem arose.

The New York Times

Just a little problem".

The New York Times

A little problem, of course.

Independent

Well, I've a little problem.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There was just one little problem.

The New York Times

"We only have this little problem.

The Economist

We had one little problem.

The New York Times

"Little problem," she wrote then.

The New York Times

"We've got a little problem.

The New Yorker

"Eric has a little problem.

The New York Times - Style

but There are still a little problem.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little problem" to downplay a situation, making it sound less serious than it might be. This can be helpful in reassuring someone or avoiding unnecessary alarm.

Common error

Avoid using "little problem" when the issue is actually significant or has serious consequences. This can lead to misunderstanding or mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes an issue that is not considered serious. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is used to describe or introduce minor difficulties or issues. While the phrase is widely accepted, its register leans toward neutral to informal contexts, making it suitable for news, general conversation, and even some academic settings. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, more neutral alternatives like "minor issue" or "slight difficulty" might be preferable. The prevalence of "little problem" across various sources underscores its common usage and general acceptability in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor issue

Focuses on the insignificance of the problem.

slight difficulty

Highlights the easiness of the problem.

small concern

Emphasizes the worry associated with the problem is not relevant.

petty matter

Highlights the lack of importance associated with the problem.

trivial issue

Refers to an insignificant issue.

minor setback

Indicates a temporary delay or obstacle.

small hiccup

Suggests a brief disruption or interruption.

tiny snag

Indicates a minor obstacle that can be easily resolved.

insignificant challenge

Focuses on a challenge that does not have a big impact.

negligible difficulty

Highlights the difficulty is not even worth mentioning.

FAQs

How can I use "little problem" in a sentence?

You can use "little problem" to refer to a minor issue or difficulty. For example: "We encountered a "little problem" with the software installation, but it was easily resolved."

What are some alternatives to "little problem"?

You can use alternatives like "minor issue", "slight difficulty", or "small concern" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "little problem" in formal writing?

While "little problem" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using a more neutral term like "minor issue" or "slight difficulty" in such cases.

What's the difference between "little problem" and "big problem"?

"Little problem" indicates a minor, easily resolvable issue, while "big problem" suggests a significant challenge that requires more attention and resources to address.