problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an issue or difficulty that needs to be addressed or solved. Example: "The main problem we are facing is a lack of resources to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there a problem?

The New York Times

And that's the real problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jan Crosby, the head of housing at KPMG, said: "These figures make for frightening reading and show that housing affordability is no longer just a problem for lower wage earners.

The Guardian - Business

I don't have a problem with this.

The Guardian

But there's a problem.

The New York Times

"You see the problem.

The New York Times - Books

"That can be a problem".

The Guardian

Perhaps that's part of the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've come to learn through that process that any drink problem is a serious problem indeed".

The Guardian

The problem, as always, is money.

The Economist

It's not nearly as big a problem as the 40 percent of children who are born out of wedlock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "problem", be specific about what the "problem" is. Instead of saying "There is a problem", try "The main problem is the lack of funding for the project."

Common error

Avoid using "problem" vaguely. Always provide context or details to clarify the nature and scope of the issue being discussed. For example, instead of saying "It's a problem", specify "The scheduling conflict is a major problem."

Linguistic Context

The word "problem" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a difficulty or challenge that needs to be resolved. According to Ludwig AI, it is deemed grammatically correct and widely used. It can also function as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "problem" is a versatile and frequently used noun to describe difficulties or challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and spans a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "problem", it's best practice to provide specific context to avoid vagueness, and consider alternatives like "issue" or "challenge" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Common errors include overuse without context, which can be easily rectified by providing specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue

Refers to a point or matter of discussion or concern.

difficulty

Indicates a state or instance of being hard to accomplish or deal with.

challenge

Implies a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.

complication

Suggests a factor that makes something more difficult.

obstacle

Refers to something that blocks one's progress.

predicament

Implies a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.

dilemma

Refers to a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.

setback

Indicates a reversal or check in progress.

hitch

Suggests a temporary impediment or difficulty.

snag

Implies a small or unexpected difficulty or drawback.

FAQs

How can I use "problem" in a sentence?

You can use "problem" to describe a difficulty or challenge. For instance, "The main problem is the lack of resources" or "We need to find a solution to this problem".

What are some alternatives to using "problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "issue", "difficulty", or "challenge".

Is it correct to say "the problem is because"?

While commonly used, it's more grammatically precise to say "the problem is that" or "the reason for the problem is". For example, "The problem is that we don't have enough staff" is better than "The problem is because we don't have enough staff".

What's the difference between "problem" and "issue"?

"Problem" often implies something more severe or in need of immediate attention, while "issue" can refer to a broader range of concerns or topics under discussion. A problem requires a solution, whereas an issue may simply need addressing or consideration.