problem in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"problem in which" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it in a variety of ways, for example: "We are facing a difficult problem in which we must decide whether or not to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is just one more health problem in which obesity plays a role".

The New York Times

It should also have said that this is a worldwide problem in which Britain has one of the worst records.

The Guardian - Film

It's what is sometimes called a "double minority" problem, in which both Palestinians and Israelis feel surrounded.

The Guardian

Many people consider dyslexia simply a reading problem in which children mix up letters and misconstrue written words.

The New York Times - Health

But it ignores a less obvious dimension to the problem, in which the culprit isn't work, but leisure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Economists refer to this chicken-and-egg problem, in which cause and effect become entangled, as "endogeneity".

The New York Times - Magazine

Large breeds also are at risk for an orthopedic problem in which the hip joint does not develop properly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Exactly how to use this information is a difficult problem in which individual judgment plays an important part.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consider a supervised learning problem in which examples contain both numerical- and text-valued features.

Artificial Intelligence

This paper proposes an uncertain random assignment problem in which random variables coexist with uncertain variables.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

This poses a security problem in which an attacker intentionally introduces traffic burstiness into routers.

Computer Networks

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve sentence flow, consider whether a simpler construction (e.g., a prepositional phrase or a compound noun) could replace "problem in which" without sacrificing precision.

Common error

Avoid using "problem in which" if the relationship between the problem and the "which" clause is vague or indirect. Ensure that the clause directly and explicitly describes an essential aspect of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem in which" functions as a relative clause introducing a description or specification of the "problem". Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase elaborates on the nature or characteristics of a problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problem in which" is a commonly used construction to introduce a relative clause that clarifies or describes the nature of a given issue. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as validated by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in scientific literature, news articles, and encyclopedic entries. When using this phrase, ensure the "which" clause clearly defines the problem to maintain clarity. While alternatives like "issue where" or "case in which" exist, "problem in which" offers a formal and precise way to elaborate on a particular problem's characteristics. Its frequent use in authoritative sources underscores its reliability for academic, professional, and general informational contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue where

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "in which" with "where", altering the noun and connector while maintaining the core relationship.

case in which

Replaces "problem" with "case", focusing on a specific instance rather than a general issue.

situation wherein

Substitutes "problem" with "situation" and "in which" with the more formal "wherein", increasing the formality of the phrase.

scenario where

Employs "scenario" instead of "problem", highlighting a hypothetical or possible situation.

circumstance under which

Uses "circumstance" to denote a specific condition, emphasizing the surrounding details.

predicament involving

Substitutes "problem" with "predicament" and uses "involving" to connect it to a related element, suggesting a challenging situation.

challenge that involves

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", emphasizing a difficult task or obstacle, and uses "that involves" to connect it to a related element.

difficulty with

Replaces the entire relative clause with a prepositional phrase, simplifying the structure.

quandary where

Replaces "problem" with "quandary", indicating a state of uncertainty or perplexity, and "in which" with "where".

enigma in that

Substitutes "problem" with "enigma" and "in which" with "in that", creating a more mysterious and formal tone.

FAQs

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

Use "problem in which" to introduce a clause that explains or defines the nature of a particular issue. For instance, "Obesity is a health "problem in which" excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that health is negatively affected".

What are some alternatives to using "problem in which"?

You can use alternatives such as "issue where", "situation wherein", or "case in which", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, you can write "This is an "issue where" Britain has one of the worst records".

Is there a difference between "problem in which" and "problem where"?

"Problem in which" is generally considered more grammatically formal and precise, while "problem where" is often used in more informal contexts. Both are used to introduce a clause that further describes the problem. For example, you can write "This is a "problem where" there is a misinterpretation of data".

When should I use "problem in which" instead of a simpler construction?

Use "problem in which" when you need to provide a detailed explanation or definition of the problem directly within the sentence. If the explanation can be easily separated, a simpler construction might be preferable. An alternative and simpler construction could be "This is a security "problem with" routers".