perennial problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perennial problem" is correct and frequently used in written English.
It means a problem that persists or recurs over a long period of time. Example: Poverty and unemployment have been perennial problems in our society, despite efforts to address them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Perennial problem.

The New York Times

A perennial problem.

The New Yorker

Prostitution is Hunts Point's perennial problem.

The New York Times

THE HISTORY Erosion is a perennial problem.

The New York Times

It's a perennial problem,' " he said.

The New York Times

Scarcity of water is a perennial problem in the kingdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a perennial problem, but has recently bubbled up again.

The Economist

One perennial problem in hotel rooms is too much furniture.

The New York Times - Travel

And the perennial problem of Getting Babies Dressed?

The Guardian - Books

Funding is a perennial problem for rail-to-trail projects.

The Guardian

The housing shortage is another perennial problem in New York.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perennial problem" when you want to emphasize that a problem has existed for a long time and is likely to continue recurring. This implies a deep-rooted issue that is not easily solved.

Common error

Avoid using "perennial problem" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "recurring challenge" or "longstanding issue" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perennial problem" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage, highlighting its role in identifying long-lasting issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perennial problem" effectively conveys the idea of a long-lasting, recurring issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various domains. Its frequent appearance in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts emphasizes its relevance in describing persistent challenges. While versatile, avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "persistent issue" or "recurring challenge". Ultimately, "perennial problem" remains a valuable tool for clearly communicating the enduring nature of certain difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", maintaining the sense of a recurring difficulty.

recurring challenge

Substitutes both "perennial" and "problem" with synonyms emphasizing the repetitive nature of the difficulty.

enduring difficulty

Replaces "perennial" with "enduring" and "problem" with "difficulty", highlighting the long-lasting nature of the issue.

chronic issue

Uses "chronic" to describe the problem, implying a long-term and often reoccurring nature.

long-standing problem

Emphasizes the duration of the problem, similar to "perennial".

continual difficulty

Focuses on the continuous nature of the difficulty.

recurring obstacle

Substitutes "problem" with "obstacle", framing it as something to be overcome repeatedly.

inveterate problem

Uses "inveterate" to describe the deeply ingrained nature of the problem.

unresolved issue

Highlights the lack of a solution for the problem.

nagging concern

Presents the problem as a persistent and bothersome worry.

FAQs

How can I use "perennial problem" in a sentence?

You can use "perennial problem" to describe a recurring issue, like: "Corruption is a "perennial problem" in many governments."

What's a good alternative to "perennial problem"?

Alternatives include "recurring challenge", "persistent issue", or "longstanding problem", depending on the specific context.

Is "perennial problem" formal or informal?

"Perennial problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's often seen in news articles, academic papers, and professional reports.

What makes a problem "perennial"?

A problem is considered "perennial" if it consistently reappears or persists over an extended period, often despite efforts to resolve it. It suggests a deep-rooted and difficult-to-eradicate issue.