major problem on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major problem on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the preposition "on" does not fit well in this context. Example: "The major problem on the project was the lack of resources."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The following day he came back with a warning: "If we have one more horse break down, we are going to have a major problem on our hands".

The New York Times

"I have a major problem on my hands," Schachter says.

The Guardian - Sport

Soil erosion is a major problem on the Ethiopian highlands.

International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation

"They have a major, major problem on their hands," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Crowding and long lift lines can be a major problem on some prime weekends and holidays.

The New York Times - Travel

Everyone who drafted Le'Veon Bell now has a major problem on their hands.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The Giants signed running back Ahmad Bradshaw on Monday afternoon, solving one of their major problems on offense.

The New York Times

Regardless of what happens, the Mitsubishi scandal poses Daimler's chairman, Jurgen E. Schrempp, with major problems on opposite sides of the world.

The New York Times

"I don't see any major problems on their side...After some heavy work, these questions have been settled and I don't expect them to be reopened".

The Guardian

One of her major problems on tour has been that some of her most beloved songs, the hits her audience wants most, demand a voice she has outlived.

The New York Times - Arts

When these high-energy particles interact with the Earth's magnetic sphere, the clash can cause major problems on the ground.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a significant issue, use prepositions like "with", "regarding", or "concerning" after "major problem" for grammatical correctness. For example, use "major problem with the system" or "major issue regarding funding".

Common error

Avoid using "on" directly after "major problem". This construction is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use prepositions that establish a clear relationship between the problem and its subject. For example, do not say "major problem on the project"; instead, use "major problem with the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major problem on" attempts to identify a significant issue related to a specific subject. However, it's grammatically incorrect, making it unsuitable for formal communication. Ludwig AI flags it as an incorrect usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major problem on" is grammatically incorrect in standard English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's rarely used and should be avoided in both formal and informal contexts. Instead, opt for alternatives like "major problem with", "major issue regarding", or "significant challenge concerning" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. By using these alternatives, you can effectively communicate the presence of a significant issue while maintaining proper English usage. Remember to choose the preposition that best fits the context to convey the precise relationship between the problem and its subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major problem with

Replaces 'on' with 'with', a more grammatically correct preposition to indicate the subject of the problem.

major issue regarding

Substitutes 'problem' with 'issue' and 'on' with 'regarding', resulting in a more formal and precise construction.

significant challenge concerning

Replaces 'major problem' with 'significant challenge' and 'on' with 'concerning', adding a layer of formality.

serious difficulty relating to

Changes 'major problem' to 'serious difficulty' and uses 'relating to' instead of 'on', emphasizing the connection.

key concern about

Replaces 'major problem' with 'key concern' and 'on' with 'about', offering a less intense phrasing.

principal obstacle in

Substitutes 'major problem' with 'principal obstacle' and 'on' with 'in', highlighting the hindering aspect.

primary concern for

Replaces 'major problem' with 'primary concern' and 'on' with 'for', shifting the focus to the affected party.

chief impediment to

Changes 'major problem' to 'chief impediment' and 'on' to 'to', creating a more formal and impactful expression.

critical issue affecting

Replaces 'major problem' with 'critical issue' and 'on' with 'affecting', emphasizing the impact of the problem.

substantial obstacle facing

Substitutes 'major problem' with 'substantial obstacle' and 'on' with 'facing', highlighting the confrontation with the problem.

FAQs

What is the correct preposition to use after "major problem"?

The correct prepositions to use after "major problem" include "with", "regarding", "concerning", and "relating to". For example, it's more appropriate to say "major problem with the software" than "major problem on the software".

What can I say instead of "major problem on"?

Instead of "major problem on", you can use phrases like "major problem with", "major issue regarding", or "significant challenge concerning" depending on the context.

Is "major problem on" grammatically correct?

No, "major problem on" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "major problem with" or "major issue regarding".

How can I use "major problem" correctly in a sentence?

To use "major problem" correctly, ensure that the preposition following it establishes a clear and grammatically sound relationship. Examples include: "The major problem with the design is its complexity" or "There's a major issue regarding funding allocation".