ongoing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"ongoing problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a problem or issue that has been occurring for a significant amount of time and is still ongoing or continuing to happen. It implies that the problem has not yet been resolved or solved. Example: The company has been struggling with an ongoing problem of low employee morale for the past year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's an ongoing problem".

The New York Times

"This is an ongoing problem".

The New York Times

Privacy remains an ongoing problem for Facebook.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, human waste is an ongoing problem.

The Guardian - Travel

And that is just an ongoing problem.

The New Yorker

Balance has been an ongoing problem.

The Guardian - Sport

In the late 1990s, share ramping was an ongoing problem.

The Guardian - Business

"Theft is an ongoing problem at public gardens," he said.

The New York Times

"It's an ongoing problem, especially with teenage drivers," he said.

The New York Times

Resources are an ongoing problem for Tongan rugby.

The Guardian - Sport

First there is the ongoing problem of the water.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ongoing problem", provide specific details about the problem's history, impact, and any attempts to resolve it. This adds context and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is an "ongoing problem" without providing specific details or examples. This can make your writing sound vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "ongoing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "problem". It describes a situation or issue that is currently happening and has been happening for some time. Ludwig confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "ongoing problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe persistent issues across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression, particularly common in news, scientific, and business contexts. For effective use, it is better to provide detailed context, and avoid overuse without supporting information. Alternatives such as "persistent issue" or "recurring difficulty" can add nuance, but ""ongoing problem"" maintains a neutral and widely understood tone, making it a versatile choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent issue

Focuses on the continuous nature of the problem.

recurring difficulty

Highlights the repetitive aspect of the problem.

unresolved matter

Emphasizes the lack of a solution.

chronic challenge

Suggests a long-term and ingrained problem.

lingering concern

Indicates a problem that persists and causes worry.

perpetual trouble

Stresses the endless nature of the problem.

continuous struggle

Highlights the effort required to deal with the problem.

enduring predicament

Emphasizes the lasting and difficult nature of the problem.

protracted crisis

Suggests the problem has become a long and serious situation.

nagging situation

Implies a bothersome and persistent problem.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ongoing problem" in a sentence?

To effectively use "ongoing problem", follow it with specific details about the issue, its impact, and any efforts to address it. For example, "The company faces an "ongoing problem" with employee retention due to limited growth opportunities and insufficient benefits."

What are some alternatives to using "ongoing problem" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "persistent issue", "recurring difficulty", or "unresolved matter" to describe a problem that continues to exist.

Is it better to say "continuing problem" or "ongoing problem"?

Both "continuing problem" and ""ongoing problem"" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Ongoing" often implies a problem that has existed for a considerable time, while "continuing" simply indicates that the problem is still happening.

What is the difference between "ongoing problem" and "systemic issue"?

While both phrases describe problems, ""ongoing problem"" refers to any problem that persists, whereas "systemic issue" implies that the problem is embedded within a system or organization and requires fundamental changes to address.