one of the main problems

USAGE SUMMARY

'one of the main problems' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a major issue that needs to be addressed. For example, "One of the main problems facing the world is the continued degradation of the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the main problems on the island is rats.

BBC

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

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the main problems is decision making.

Harvard Business Review

One of the main problems for marginal farmers is drought.

The Guardian

One of the main problems in control theory is the controllability problem.

University of California, Berkeley

One of the main problems is the size of the parts.

University of California, Berkeley

One of the main problems impeding the evolution of cooperation is partner choice.

Harvard University

Paramedics say legal high consumption is one of the main problems they see in Manchester.

The Guardian

One of the main problems is the ease with which workers can get fake IDs.

The Guardian

One of the main problems in the camp was the bathrooms, which had long queues.

The Guardian

Credit card debt has been identified as one of the main problems behind the current bubble.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about the area the "main problem" is related to, for example, “One of the main problems with urban planning is…” instead of using it vaguely.

Common error

Avoid using "one of the main problems" without specifying what the problem actually is or what it relates to. The phrase requires clear context to be meaningful and avoid being generic. You can use the phrase without specifying the context of the issue, but only when it’s obvious for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one of the main problems" functions as a subject complement or an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically introducing a significant issue within a broader context. As Ludwig highlights, it's used to specify a notable difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one of the main problems" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to introduce a significant issue among several others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts, indicating its versatility across various domains. To maximize clarity, ensure the context explicitly identifies what the problem is or what it relates to. Alternative phrases like "a key issue" or "a major challenge" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key issue

This alternative is more concise, focusing on the importance of the problem.

a central issue

This alternative suggests the problem is at the heart of a larger matter.

a major challenge

This alternative frames the problem as a hurdle to overcome.

a primary concern

This alternative emphasizes the worry or anxiety associated with the problem.

the biggest hurdle

This alternative presents the problem as the most significant barrier.

a significant obstacle

This alternative highlights the hindering nature of the problem.

the foremost challenge

This alternative emphasizes the prominence and difficulty of the problem.

a critical difficulty

This alternative stresses the severity and complexity of the problem.

a notable drawback

This alternative focuses on the negative aspect or disadvantage of something.

a substantial impediment

This alternative highlights the obstructive nature of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "one of the main problems" in a sentence?

You can use "one of the main problems" to introduce a significant issue among several others. For example, "One of the main problems in the healthcare system is the lack of access to affordable care."

What are some alternatives to "one of the main problems"?

Alternatives include "a key issue", "a major challenge", or "a primary concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "one of the main problems" or "the main problem"?

Use "one of the main problems" when you are discussing multiple significant issues. Use "the main problem" when there is a single, overriding issue.

What makes "one of the main problems" an effective phrase?

It is effective because it acknowledges the existence of multiple issues while highlighting a particularly important one. It's useful for setting priorities or focusing discussion.