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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
one problem less
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'one problem less' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means that a problem or issue has been resolved, leaving one fewer problem to worry about. For example, "With the task finally finished, I have one problem less to worry about."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
"That is one problem less for me to worry about.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
One problem: No less than 16 agencies form the U.S. intelligence community and they communicate poorly with one another.
News & Media
Fixed effects demonstrated that the variable 'time' was a strong predictor of PDR outcomes (p < =.001, 95% CI = −0.18 to −0.08) and indicated a mean 0.13 (SE = .02) lower occurrence of reported problem behaviors per week: approximately one problem behavior less every eight weeks (1/0.13 = 8).
The Global Study on Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB) in 29 countries showed that although about half of all sexually active respondents had experienced at least one sexual problem, less than 18.8% of women had sought medical help for their sexual problems [ 2].
Science
Or is the problem less one of too little regulation than of poorly focused regulation?
News & Media
There's just one problem with that message: less than half of those one star reviews are actually reviewing the book.
News & Media
He added: "One problem is that, as there are less bookstores and less libraries, parents are going less and there are no books coming into homes for kids.
News & Media
The framework sets out priority interventions required for these countries to progress first towards "pre-elimination" (<10 cases per million) and eventually the elimination of TB as a public health problem (less than one case per million).
Science
Government subsidies are less sustainable One problem that Brazil increasingly shares with many EU countries is debt.
News & Media
The film turned out to be a suburban American rendering of the Book of Job, more or less — just one problem after another.
News & Media
We've all spent time lamenting the jacked-up rents in gentrifying urban neighborhoods—uprooting people who have lived there their whole lives to make room for condos and, of course, bougie nightclubs like the one you attended last weekend but there's one problem that has gotten a lot less air time than it should: the emerging job of the "Silencer".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Emphasize the positive impact of solving a problem by using "one problem less" to show progress.
Common error
Avoid substituting "one problem less" with phrases like "one problem lesser", as the latter is grammatically incorrect. "Less" is the appropriate comparative form of "little" in this context.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "one problem less" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a reduction in the number of problems, suggesting a state of improvement or relief.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Academia
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "one problem less" is a grammatically correct and concise way to express a reduction in the number of issues or concerns, often implying a sense of relief or progress. While considered rare in overall usage, Ludwig confirms its acceptability and notes its prevalence in news media and scientific contexts. When writing, use it to succinctly convey a positive change or resolution, but be mindful of similar expressions to avoid grammatical errors. Alternatives like "one fewer issue to address" or "a concern resolved" can provide nuanced variations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
one less thing to worry about
This alternative focuses on the reduction of worry or stress.
an issue taken care of
This alternative emphasizes that the issue has been properly handled and resolved.
one fewer issue to address
This alternative focuses on the reduced number of issues needing attention.
that's one thing sorted
This idiom indicates that a particular task or problem has been successfully handled.
a weight off my shoulders
This idiom signifies relief from a burden or worry, similar to having "one problem less".
a burden lifted
This phrase uses metaphorical language to describe the removal of a problem.
a concern resolved
This highlights the successful resolution of a specific concern.
challenge overcome
This suggests that a specific challenge has been successfully navigated.
an obstacle cleared
This suggests that a specific obstacle has been overcome.
problem solved
This is a short, direct way of saying a problem has been eliminated.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "one problem less"?
Alternatives include /s/one+fewer+issue+to+address, /s/a+concern+resolved, or /s/one+less+thing+to+worry+about, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to say "one problem less"?
Yes, "one problem less" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used appropriately to indicate a reduction in the quantity of problems.
What does "one problem less" typically imply?
It generally implies a sense of relief or progress, signifying that a specific issue has been resolved, thus reducing the overall burden or complexity of a situation.
In what contexts is "one problem less" commonly used?
This phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from discussing personal challenges to reporting on the resolution of business or societal issues. It's appropriate in both formal and informal settings.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested