main problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most significant or primary issues in a given context. Example: "The main problems we face in this project are budget constraints and time limitations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two main problems remain.

The Economist

Democrats have two main problems.

The Economist

This poses three main problems.

The Economist

It's one of the main problems.

Independent

There are two main problems in California.

The New York Times

But there were two main problems.

The New York Times - Books

The main problems, of course, were still to be resolved.

The Guardian - Books

One of the main problems has been the Fed's overconfidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are a three main problems with this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two main problems contribute to water contamination and beach closings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What are the main problems/hazards in your town?

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main problems", ensure the context clearly establishes what these problems pertain to. Providing specific details or examples helps readers understand the scope and impact of the issues you are discussing.

Common error

Avoid using "main problems" without clearly specifying what those problems relate to. Overly broad statements can leave the reader without a clear understanding of the issues being addressed. For example, instead of saying "The main problems are causing delays", specify "The main problems with the supply chain are causing delays."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main problems" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying the most significant issues or challenges within a given context. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources showcasing this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main problems" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to denote the most significant issues or challenges in a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility extends across diverse registers, including news, science, and formal business communications. While semantically similar phrases like "key issues" and "central challenges" exist, "main problems" effectively highlights the core difficulties at hand. Remember to provide clear context and specific details when using this phrase to ensure clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key issues

Focuses on the importance of the problems, highlighting them as central to a situation.

central challenges

Emphasizes the difficulty aspect of the problems, framing them as obstacles to overcome.

primary difficulties

Highlights the fundamental nature of the problems, suggesting they are the base from which other issues arise.

major obstacles

Shifts the focus to barriers that impede progress, rather than the issues themselves.

chief concerns

Implies a level of worry or anxiety about the problems, suggesting they are matters of significant importance.

principal challenges

Stresses the leading or most important difficulties.

core issues

Highlights the fundamental and essential nature of the problems.

critical problems

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of addressing the problems.

fundamental issues

Stresses the basic and underlying nature of the problems.

pressing concerns

Highlights the urgent nature of the problems and the need for immediate attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "main problems" to introduce a discussion of significant difficulties or challenges. For example: "The "main problems" with the project are budget constraints and lack of resources."

What are some synonyms for "main problems"?

Alternatives include "key issues", "central challenges", or "primary difficulties" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "the problem is main" or "the main problem is"?

The correct phrasing is "the main problem is". Saying "the problem is main" is grammatically incorrect and not standard English.

What's the difference between "main problems" and "secondary problems"?

"Main problems" refer to the most significant or critical issues, while "secondary problems" are less important or consequential issues that may stem from or be related to the "main problems".