pivotal problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pivotal problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an issue or difficulty that needs to be addressed in order to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "We have identified the lack of access to education as a pivotal problem that must be addressed if we are to make progress in tackling global poverty".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The lack of this knowledge is the pivotal problem in molecular electronics.

Synthetic Metals

Progressive destruction of articular cartilage and bone is the pivotal problem of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Autoimmunity Reviews

In 1969 he also published a small book on the founders' complex and highly creative thinking about political representation — a pivotal problem in the American Revolution.

The New York Times - Books

This paper investigates a pivotal problem in supply chain management: how to configure supply networks and business processes to achieve time performance.

International Journal of Production Economics

The management of exudate was the focus because it was demonstrated to be the pivotal problem for patients and clinicians in a study of malignant wounds, and is a recurring problem in other wound types.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

In order to get more high-performance devices, the pivotal problem is how to get better quality materials.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The course discusses pivotal problems raised by science and religion studies, and explores the historical roots of modern issues.

Yale University

But the forum's report suggests that in the coming few decades, the pivotal problems for energy security will center around electric power.

The Washington Post

Kahneman's recent bestselling precis of his life's work, Thinking, Fast and Slow, was a catalogue of examples of people using the wrong kind of analysis when confronting pivotal problems: relying on instinct when precise weighing of probabilities would be crucial, and vice versa.

The Guardian - Books

Besides, the selections of discrete frequency components and Laplace damping constants are pivotal problems that can influence the penetration depth of the underground model (Shin and Cha 2008, 2009; Li et al. 2016a).

Petroleum Science

The reliance on serum creatinine concentration is pivotal to the problems with estimated GFR and the gulf between the original MDRD study population and patients with chronic liver disease.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pivotal problem", ensure that the problem you are describing is genuinely central to the issue at hand and that addressing it will significantly impact the outcome. Avoid overusing the phrase for minor issues.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal problem" to describe issues that are merely inconvenient or secondary. Reserve it for problems that are genuinely critical and have far-reaching consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal problem" functions as a noun phrase where "pivotal" modifies "problem", emphasizing its crucial importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct and usable in written English. It typically identifies a central issue that significantly impacts outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pivotal problem" effectively denotes a crucial issue that must be addressed for a successful outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it is most frequently found in scientific and news-related articles. While alternatives like "key issue" or "critical challenge" exist, "pivotal problem" specifically highlights the turning-point nature of the problem. When employing this phrase, ensure that the described problem is truly central and that its resolution will significantly impact the overall situation. Avoid using it for minor or secondary issues to maintain its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core problem

Highlights the most important/central aspect of the problem.

key issue

Focuses on identifying the most important issue among many.

fundamental issue

Stresses the basic nature of the problem.

critical challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and importance of the problem.

central difficulty

Highlights the core problem that needs resolution.

crucial matter

Emphasizes the decisiveness and seriousness of the problem.

essential question

Implies a problem framed as a question that needs answering.

primary concern

Indicates the main area of worry or focus.

main obstacle

Highlights the barrier preventing progress.

significant hurdle

Focuses on the challenge aspect of problem.

FAQs

How to use "pivotal problem" in a sentence?

You can use "pivotal problem" to describe a central issue, such as: "The lack of funding is a "pivotal problem" for the project's success."

What can I say instead of "pivotal problem"?

Alternatives include "key issue", "critical challenge", or "fundamental issue", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pivotal problem" or "important problem"?

"Pivotal problem" emphasizes the central and critical nature of the issue, while "important problem" simply indicates significance. Pivotal suggests a turning point or essential element.

What's the difference between a "pivotal problem" and a "major problem"?

A "major problem" is a significant issue. A ""pivotal problem"" is not only significant but also essential to resolve to achieve a desired outcome.