policy problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "policy problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an issue or challenge that requires a policy response or consideration in the context of governance or administration. Example: "The government is currently addressing the policy problem of climate change and its impact on public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Home health care poses a policy problem.

The New York Times

It's unclear what health policy problem this bill would solve.

The New York Times

Other economists say the policy problem goes well beyond education.

The Washington Post

"I realized that this issue reflected every social health policy problem being faced by the country".

The New York Times

Of course, their solutions are sometimes specific proposals aimed at a particular policy problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's a serious policy problem that's worrying me quite a lot".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Syria quickly became the Administration's most vexing foreign-policy problem.

The New Yorker

Rolling back the power of organized crime there barely qualifies as a foreign-policy problem.

The New Yorker

The great foreign-policy problem of the time was that of Armenia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet a revanchist Russia could be the EU's biggest foreign-policy problem over the next few years.

The Economist

It is another sticky foreign-policy problem of the sort that China used to be able to sidestep.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential solutions, follow the phrase "policy problem" with specific recommendations or strategies. For example: "The housing crisis is a significant policy problem; therefore, implementing rent control measures and increasing affordable housing construction are crucial steps."

Common error

Avoid using "policy problem" when the core issue is a matter of political disagreement rather than a deficiency in existing policies. A political problem often involves conflicting values or ideologies, whereas a policy problem implies a need for better solutions within a given framework.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "policy problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an issue that requires attention and action from policymakers. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it's often used to frame challenges that necessitate specific solutions or interventions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "policy problem" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe issues requiring a policy response. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in news media, academic research, and formal discussions. The phrase's primary function is to identify and categorize a challenge so that policymakers can develop and implement effective solutions. While "policy problem" is versatile, it's important to differentiate it from similar terms like "political problem" and to use it when the issue genuinely calls for policy intervention. When writing, follow "policy problem" with specific recommendations or strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

policy issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", softening the connotation while maintaining the core meaning.

policy challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing the situation as something to be overcome.

public policy concern

Highlights that the problem is a matter of public interest and requires policy attention.

difficult policy

Highlights the complexity of the policy itself, rather than focusing on a problem.

complex policy question

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the policy and presents it as a question needing resolution.

governance challenge

Shifts the focus from a specific policy to the broader context of governance.

regulatory obstacle

Presents a specific type of problem related to regulation.

societal hurdle

Broadens the scope to a general obstacle within society, which policy might address.

strategic dilemma

Frames the problem as a difficult choice between different strategic options.

matter of policy

Focuses on the existence of a policy-related situation, whether problematic or not.

FAQs

How is "policy problem" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "policy problem" usually identifies an issue that requires government intervention or a revised approach. For example, "Climate change presents a complex policy problem requiring international cooperation."

What are some alternative ways to express "policy problem"?

You can use alternatives like "policy issue", "policy challenge", or "public policy concern" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to describe something as a "policy problem" or a "political problem"?

A "policy problem" refers to a challenge that can be addressed through specific policies. A "political problem", on the other hand, involves disagreements or conflicts related to governance, power, or ideologies. For example, while immigration reform might address a policy problem, disagreement over immigration quotas often constitutes a political problem.

How does a "policy problem" differ from a general problem?

A "policy problem" specifically relates to issues that can be influenced or resolved through governmental or organizational policies. A general problem might be personal, societal, or technical but doesn't necessarily require a policy-based solution.