plethora of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plethora of problems" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a large number of issues or difficulties. For example: The company had to face a plethora of problems when transitioning to remote working.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I've got a plethora of problems.

The Guardian - Tech

You have seen a plethora of problems at Boeing.

The Guardian - Business

Accessibility poses a plethora of problems on a practical level too.

The Guardian

But amid the plethora of problems he faces, it might come as a surprise that his first vice president, whom he selected, is one of the biggest.

The Washington Post

And this city inspired me to take an urban planning course: I honestly just couldn't figure out how one of the wealthiest cities in the whole world could experience such a plethora of problems ranging from car invasion to banal low visual and urban design culture.

The Guardian

This argument smuggles in a plethora of problems regarding the relationships between indigenous peoples and colonists, but it helps us make more sense of some of these statements from within the value structure of librarians, rather than from an external and incompatible set of values.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Introducing fundamental concepts, the authors explore a diverse plethora of classic problems such as the Lights Out Puzzle, and each chapter contains math exercises for readers to savor.

Princeton University

Beets and corn (processed into fructose syrup) are spectacularly energy intensive in growth and production, and cause a plethora of ethical problems.

The Guardian

Ms. Trivisani is coping with a plethora of health problems: fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, acid reflux disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, cataracts, dislocated spinal disks and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The New York Times

"They are putting people's lives in danger as they promote a toxic, harmful weed to sick people and intentionally ignore the harms of it," she said, adding that the drug had been "linked to a plethora of health problems".

The New York Times - Arts

As crews hacked away at downed trees and replaced blown-out transformers and cut lines, state and local officials contended with a plethora of other problems, among them a tiger on the loose.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plethora of problems", ensure the context clearly identifies the nature and scope of these problems to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

While "plethora of problems" is a valid phrase, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "abundance of issues" or "host of difficulties" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plethora of problems" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a sentence or clause. It describes a situation characterized by a large number of issues, difficulties, or complications. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plethora of problems" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a situation burdened by numerous difficulties. As verified by Ludwig, it's appropriate in neutral to formal contexts and frequently appears in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications. While effective, remember to vary your language and provide context when using this phrase. Synonyms like "abundance of issues" or "host of difficulties" can help maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abundance of issues

Replaces "plethora" with "abundance" and "problems" with "issues", offering a slightly less formal tone.

host of difficulties

Substitutes "plethora" with "host" and "problems" with "difficulties", providing a similar level of formality.

wide range of issues

Uses a more common expression, replacing "plethora" with "wide range" for a less emphatic tone.

multiple complications

Focuses on the complexity of the problems, replacing "plethora" with "multiple" and "problems" with "complications".

sea of troubles

Employs a more metaphorical and dramatic expression, indicating overwhelming difficulties.

litany of woes

Presents a more formal and literary alternative, suggesting a long list of problems.

mountain of challenges

Uses a metaphor to emphasize the magnitude of the difficulties.

series of setbacks

Shifts the focus to the negative impact of the problems, presenting them as obstacles to progress.

cluster of predicaments

Highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of the problems, suggesting a difficult situation.

cornucopia of crises

Uses "cornucopia" to highlight the abundance of crises and provide a slightly different emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "plethora of problems" in a sentence?

You can use "plethora of problems" to describe a situation with many issues. For instance, "The project faced a "plethora of problems" during the implementation phase."

What are some synonyms for "plethora of problems"?

Alternatives include "abundance of issues", "host of difficulties", or "wide range of issues", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "a plethora of problem" or "a plethora of problems"?

"A plethora of problems" is correct because "plethora" means a large or excessive amount, thus requiring a plural noun.

How formal is the phrase "plethora of problems"?

The phrase "plethora of problems" is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts, as seen in its use across news media, academic papers, and professional reports. Consider the specific audience to make a final decision.