problem of how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem of how" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific issue or challenge related to the method or approach of doing something. Example: "The problem of how to effectively communicate with remote teams has become increasingly important in today's work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem of how to address a woman's college properly.

The New Yorker

Then there is the problem of how to charge.

The Guardian

Burt begins from the problem of how to resolve conflict in an open society.

The New York Times - Books

His Indian expedition temporarily solved the problem of how to make his empire financially viable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The problem of how we introduce gender stereotyping for our children starts incredibly early.

Independent

A naval… The problem of how to address a woman's college properly.

The New Yorker

They were both intrigued by the problem of how to get pictures of themselves riding waves.

The New Yorker

And online consultation still leaves the structural political problem of how to respond.

The Economist

Bosnia's leaders agreed to fix the problem of how to accommodate "others".

The Economist

They're also interested in the problem of how things change over time.

The New Yorker

But the problem of how to be noticed by his superiors survives this fantasy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "problem of how", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific issue or difficulty being addressed. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what 'how' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "problem of how" in overly broad or vague contexts. Be specific about the challenge. For instance, instead of saying 'the problem of how to improve things', specify 'the problem of how to improve student engagement in online courses'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem of how" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a specific issue, difficulty, or challenge related to a particular method or course of action. Ludwig provides many examples where the phrase is used to frame a discussion around resolving a specific impediment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problem of how" is a versatile and common expression used to introduce a challenge or difficulty related to a specific method or approach. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While the phrase itself is quite straightforward, ensuring clarity and specificity in its usage is crucial to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "issue of how" or "challenge of how" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. Overall, understanding the nuances of "problem of how" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue of how

Replaces "problem" with "issue", indicating a concern or point of discussion regarding a method.

challenge of how

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", highlighting the difficulty in finding a solution or approach.

difficulty of how

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty", underlining the complexity in performing something.

dilemma of how

Replaces "problem" with "dilemma", emphasizing a situation with difficult choices concerning a method.

predicament of how

Substitutes "problem" with "predicament", emphasizing a difficult or unpleasant situation.

question of how

Uses "question" instead of "problem", framing it as an inquiry about the appropriate method.

puzzle of how

Replaces "problem" with "puzzle", framing something as a conundrum or riddle.

matter of how

Substitutes "problem" with "matter", presenting it as a situation that needs to be addressed concerning a method.

enigma of how

Replaces "problem" with "enigma", describing something mysterious or difficult to understand concerning a method.

complexity of how

Uses "complexity" instead of "problem", highlighting the intricate nature of a method.

FAQs

How can I use "problem of how" in a sentence?

The phrase "problem of how" is used to introduce a challenge or difficulty related to the method or process of doing something. For example, "The "problem of how" to reduce carbon emissions is a major concern for environmental scientists." Consider using alternatives like "issue of how" or "challenge of how" for variety.

What are some alternatives to "problem of how"?

Alternatives include "issue of how", "challenge of how", or "difficulty of how". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "problem of how" in formal writing?

Yes, "problem of how" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where you need to identify and discuss a specific methodological challenge. However, ensure the context warrants the use of "problem" rather than a more neutral term like "matter of how".

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

While both phrases are similar, "problem of how" emphasizes a difficulty or challenge, while "issue of how" suggests a point of discussion or concern. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the difficulty or the need for discussion.