most common problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most common problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue that frequently occurs or is widely experienced in a particular context. Example: "The most common problem faced by new students is time management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Most common problem: the hips).

The New York Times

The most common problem reported is pick-pocketing".

The Guardian

What's the most common problem with old Beetles? A. Cancer.

The New York Times

THE most common problem cited by writing coaches is wordiness.

The New York Times

The most common problem is overheating, she said.

The New York Times

Because there is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss, by far the most common problem.

The New York Times

The most common problem is with what Ms. Bergstein called "housekeeping styles".

The New York Times

The advisees' average annual income is $17,000, and their most common problem is debt.

The New York Times

The most common problem is a blockage from an animal nest or creosote buildup.

The New York Times - Magazine

The most common problem is diarrhea from swallowing water contaminated with germ-laden feces.

The New York Times - Health

Council tax, for instance, is one of the most common problem areas, according to National Debtline.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most common problem", be specific about the context. For example, instead of saying "The most common problem is lateness," say "The most common problem in this office is lateness."

Common error

Avoid using "most common problem" without providing sufficient context or evidence. Unsupported claims can weaken your argument. Instead, provide data or examples to support your assertion that something is, in fact, the most common problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most common problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific issue that occurs more frequently than others. Ludwig AI shows it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most common problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to identify a prevalent issue in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for diverse settings, from formal reports to casual discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context and, when possible, supporting evidence to enhance clarity and credibility. Consider alternatives like "typical issue" or "prevalent concern" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical issue

Focuses on the typicality of the problem.

frequent difficulty

Highlights the repetitive nature of the difficulty.

prevalent concern

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the concern.

major pitfall

Highlights a significant and common danger or difficulty.

primary challenge

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the challenge.

leading cause

Identifies the most significant reason for something undesirable.

recurring obstacle

Highlights the repetitive nature of the obstacle.

chief complaint

Commonly used in medical contexts, indicating the main reason for seeking help.

common stumbling block

Implies a frequent cause of failure or difficulty.

biggest headache

Informal way of referring to the most troublesome issue.

FAQs

How can I use "most common problem" in a sentence?

You can use "most common problem" to describe a frequently occurring issue. For instance, "The "most common problem" students face is procrastination."

What can I say instead of "most common problem"?

Alternatives include "typical issue", "frequent difficulty", or "prevalent concern", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to quantify "most common problem"?

While not always required, quantifying the ""most common problem"" can strengthen your statement. Providing statistics or examples adds credibility.

What's the difference between "most common problem" and "major challenge"?

"Most common problem" refers to a frequently occurring issue, while "major challenge" suggests a significant obstacle, regardless of how frequently it occurs. They aren't perfectly interchangeable.