main problem is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main problem is" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce the primary issue or challenge that is being discussed or addressed in a sentence or paragraph. It serves as a way to focus the reader's attention on the most important problem or concern. Example: The main problem is that the company's budget is not sufficient to cover all of its expenses, leading to financial strain and potential layoffs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The main problem is noise.

The New York Times

Bhutan's main problem is height.

The New York Times - Sports

"Their main problem is land.

The New York Times

The main problem is insecurity.

The New York Times

"The main problem is water.

The Guardian

The main problem is the label "left".

The New York Times

But the main problem is regulation.

The Economist

The main problem is intonation.

The New York Times

But the Republicans' main problem is taxes.

The Economist

The main problem is loopy incentives.

The Economist

The main problem is a political one.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main problem is", ensure that the statement is followed by a clear and concise explanation of the problem itself. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the core issue being addressed.

Common error

Avoid stating the "main problem is" without providing sufficient context or detail. A vague problem statement can leave the reader confused and unable to grasp the significance of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main problem is" functions as a sentence opener or introductory clause to highlight the most significant issue or challenge under discussion. Ludwig's examples show it setting the stage for further explanation or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main problem is" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for pinpointing the core challenge within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across varied domains, ranging from news and media to scientific research and business correspondence. While versatile, employing the phrase effectively hinges on providing clear and concise explanations of the problem at hand to avert ambiguity. Alternatives like "primary concern is" or "central issue is" may be used to introduce slight nuance. In essence, mastering the art of using this phrase is crucial for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Central issue is

Highlights the most important point of contention.

Primary concern is

Focuses on the principal worry or anxiety.

Key challenge is

Emphasizes the significant obstacle to overcome.

Fundamental difficulty is

Points to the underlying cause of trouble.

Overriding obstacle is

Stresses the most significant impediment.

Core dilemma is

Highlights the central conflict or difficult choice.

Principal hurdle is

Indicates the major barrier to progress.

Chief impediment is

Emphasizes the main obstruction.

Biggest drawback is

Focuses on the most significant disadvantage.

Major stumbling block is

Points to the primary cause of failure or delay.

FAQs

How can I use "main problem is" in a sentence?

Use "main problem is" to introduce the most significant issue or challenge you are discussing. For example: "The main problem is that we lack sufficient funding for the project."

What's a good alternative to using "main problem is"?

You can use alternatives like "primary concern is", "central issue is", or "key challenge is" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "main problem are"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. "Problem" is singular, so you should use the singular verb "is". The correct phrase is "main problem is".

What is the difference between "main problem is" and "a problem is"?

"Main problem is" identifies the most significant issue, while "a problem is" simply introduces one of possibly many issues. Using "main" emphasizes the core difficulty. For example, "a problem is" scheduling conflicts, while the main problem is lack of budget.