more severe problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more severe problem" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used to compare the severity of two or more problems, with "more severe" indicating that one problem is more serious or extreme than the other. Example: The economic crisis caused by the pandemic has led to widespread job losses, but for some families, the more severe problem is the lack of access to affordable healthcare. In this example, the phrase "more severe problem" is used to contrast two issues that are both caused by the pandemic, but one is seen as being more serious or pressing than the other.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Quite possibly a much more severe problem than anyone suspected.

The New Yorker

Deforestation is a much more severe problem, but overall natural variation is the strongest force out there.

University of California, Berkeley

And the structural unemployment problem is a more severe problem for workers with low levels of education and skills.

The New York Times

But the more severe problem is the lack of jobs, which has itself been exacerbated by the failure at the 2010 election to win an overall majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you have a more severe problem, however, the system will fail to boot or start up completely, giving you an error about a missing operating system.

The New York Times - Tech

An even more severe problem in Metaxas's argument is the assumption of randomness, namely that physical processes do not naturally drive a system toward a certain state.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Higher scores are indicative of more severe problems; (e) EuropASI (European version of the Addiction Severity Index) in the prior month.

BMC Health Services Research

Overall, weekend admissions were associated with more severe problems in terms of admission type, admission source, and All Patient Refined Disease Related Group severity status (table 1).

British Medical Journal

Level 5 is for more severe problems like a broken bone.

The New York Times - Health

That strategy works, he noted, when the economy is growing, but can create more severe problems if another recession hits.

The New York Times

UL also said the high energy density of the battery design meant more severe problems when a breakdown occurred.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the severity of different issues, use "more severe problem" to clearly indicate which one poses a greater threat or requires more urgent attention.

Common error

Avoid using "more severe problem" when describing a situation that simply requires a different approach, rather than indicating a greater degree of seriousness. For example, managing conflicting project timelines is a 'different' problem, not necessarily a "more severe problem" compared to budget overruns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more severe problem" functions as a comparative adjective phrase modifying the noun "problem". It indicates that the problem being discussed is of greater intensity, seriousness, or consequence than another problem or a previous state. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more severe problem" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight a significant escalation in the seriousness of an issue. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in news, science, and academic domains. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately portraying an issue that's not just different but demonstrably graver than another. The key is in the accurate comparative usage and clarity of the context being presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more critical issue

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the problem.

more acute difficulty

Highlights the sharpness and intensity of the challenge.

graver complication

Suggests a serious and potentially negative outcome.

more pressing concern

Focuses on the immediate need to address the problem.

more challenging situation

Indicates a tough and demanding set of circumstances.

more serious trouble

Implies a state of distress or danger.

deeper predicament

Suggests a complex and difficult circumstance.

heightened adversity

Highlights an increased level of hardship or suffering.

more significant obstacle

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the barrier.

more profound dilemma

Indicates a deeply complex and perplexing situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "more severe problem" in a sentence?

Use "more severe problem" to highlight a significant escalation in the seriousness or intensity of an issue. For example, "While the initial symptoms were mild, the patient's condition progressed to a "more severe problem" requiring immediate intervention."

What phrases can replace "more severe problem" to convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives like "more critical issue", "more acute difficulty", or "graver complication", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between using "more severe problem" and "serious problem"?

"Serious problem" indicates a significant issue, while "more severe problem" implies a comparison, suggesting that one problem is graver than another. Use "more severe problem" when contrasting the magnitude of two or more issues.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "more severe problem"?

Avoid using "more severe problem" when the issue is simply different in nature rather than in magnitude. For instance, confusing project requirements aren't a "more severe problem" than unrealistic deadlines; they're distinct challenges.