owing to a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "owing to a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean "because of a problem" or "due to a problem" and is usually followed by a noun or gerund. For example, "Owing to a problem with the train, the game was cancelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Stokes limped off the field midway through his sixth over owing to a problem in his right calf muscle and will have a scan on Tuesday that will determine whether his participation in this international summer, which runs up until the one-off Twenty20 at Old Trafford on 7 September, is over.

The Guardian - Sport

However, he was quickly released owing to a problem with the warrant, and fled to Agnes City, fearing that he would be lynched.

Wikipedia

Or it can happen when the global flow of capital suddenly hits you personally — when your apparently thriving employer goes out of business owing to a problem with credit, or your mortgage payments jump unpayably upward — and you think, Just what is this money stuff, anyway?

The New Yorker

Or it can happen when the global flow of capital suddenly hits you personally when your apparently thriving employer goes out of business owing to a problem with credit, or your mortgage payments jump unpayably upward and you think, Just what is this money stuff, anyway?

The New Yorker

Owing to a problem of collinearity, Stata automatically deleted the two categories in common (ie, 'only child' and first child) shared by the variables of birth interval and previous child with SGA, keeping them only in the former.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In addition to a voluntary recall of 123,000 Model S vehicles that owes to a problem with the power-steer component of some of the cars, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last week launched an investigation into the role of Tesla's Autopilot in a fatal crash.

TechCrunch

Oxlade-Chamberlain was replaced after just five minutes owing to a hamstring problem before Walcott – who came on in his place – went off after 19 minutes with a calf problem.

The Guardian - Sport

The line opened on time on Monday, but by mid-morning passengers faced delays of up to 40 minutes owing to a signalling problem at Wembley Central in north-west London.

The Guardian - Business

In 2008, after – note – he had stepped down as leader of the Liberal Democrats owing to a self-acknowledged problem with alcohol (the common phrase here, I believe is "admitted to a drink problem" – but the insinuation that Kennedy should have guilt about this sticks in my craw), he was a guest on Have I Got News For You.

The Guardian - Opinion

The prop sharks frequently malfunctioned owing to a series of problems including bad weather, pneumatic hoses taking on salt water, frames fracturing due to water resistance, corroding skin, and electrolysis.

Wikipedia

SE schools provide education for adolescents who are not able to attend mainstream schools owing to a number of problems like emotional and behavioral disorders, learning disabilities and developmental disorders.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "owing to a problem" is a suitable alternative to phrases like "due to a problem" or "because of a problem", adding a touch of sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "owing to a problem" in active voice constructions. It's best suited for passive constructions where the problem is the reason for something else happening. For example, prefer "The delay was owing to a problem" over "A problem was owing to the delay".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "owing to a problem" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the cause or reason for a particular situation. It modifies the verb or clause it precedes, explaining why something happened or is the case. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "owing to a problem" serves as a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to elucidate the cause of a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly observed within scientific literature and news media, it presents a neutral yet slightly formal register, suitable for articulating reasons with clarity. While interchangeable with alternatives like "due to a problem", "because of a difficulty", or "as a result of a complication", its selection should align with the intended tone and context to convey subtle nuances. Remember to use this phrase in passive constructions for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to an issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", which is slightly less severe or formal.

because of a difficulty

Substitutes "owing to" with "because of" and "problem" with "difficulty", making it more direct and less formal.

as a result of a complication

Emphasizes the consequence of a more intricate or complex "problem".

on account of a setback

Highlights a temporary impediment or delay that has caused the situation.

attributable to a glitch

Suggests a minor malfunction or error is the cause, often in technical contexts.

stemming from a challenge

Implies that the situation originates from a demanding or testing "problem".

caused by a concern

Indicates that worry or anxiety about something is the underlying reason.

in light of a hiccup

Emphasizes a small, temporary disruption as the cause.

arising from a snag

Suggests a sudden, unexpected difficulty has led to the current situation.

thanks to a development

Replaces the reason with an occurrence that changes the current status.

FAQs

How can I use "owing to a problem" in a sentence?

Use "owing to a problem" to indicate the cause or reason for something. For example: "The event was postponed "owing to a problem" with the venue".

What's the difference between "owing to a problem" and "due to a problem"?

While both phrases indicate causation, "owing to a problem" is often considered slightly more formal than "due to a problem". They are largely interchangeable in most contexts.

What are some synonyms for "owing to a problem"?

Alternatives to "owing to a problem" include "because of a difficulty", "as a result of a complication", and "on account of a setback".

Is it correct to say "owing to a problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "owing to a problem" is suitable for formal writing and can add a touch of sophistication compared to more common alternatives.