problem of the past

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem of the past" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an issue or challenge that has already occurred and is no longer relevant or current. Example: "While we must learn from our mistakes, we should not dwell on the problem of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Disappearances are far from a problem of the past.

The Guardian

This is not a problem of the past".

The Guardian

Digital textbooks would make this a problem of the past.

The Guardian

An unsolvable problem of the past might not seem like fertile ground for debate.

The Economist

Frieden, the CDC director, warned that Ebola was by no means a problem of the past.

The Guardian

At the time, many money managers discounted inflation, calling it an economic problem of the past.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The problems of the past will reappear".

The New York Times

"The problems of the past must be given priority".

The New York Times

"The Lebanese are tired of all the problems of the past," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It sounded like a review of the Knicks' problems of the past several seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Afterward, he described his knee problems of the past few months, problems he said resurfaced in his second-round match.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like historical injustices, using the phrase "problem of the past" can help to acknowledge the issue without dwelling excessively on blame. This allows for a more forward-looking approach.

Common error

Avoid using "problem of the past" to suggest an issue is completely resolved when lingering effects may still exist. Acknowledge ongoing consequences if relevant for a more nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem of the past" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an issue or difficulty that existed in a prior time. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from political issues to technological advancements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problem of the past" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to issues or challenges that occurred in the past and are generally no longer current concerns. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across various domains, including news, business, and scientific contexts. While highly versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the situation and doesn't minimize any lingering consequences. Related phrases like ""past issue"" or ""historical challenge"" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Past issue

Simplifies the phrase by using a more concise wording.

Former issue

Replaces "past" with "former", indicating something that existed previously.

Past difficulty

Substitutes "problem" with "difficulty", providing a slightly softer connotation.

Historical challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and "past" with "historical", offering a more formal tone.

Previous challenge

Uses "previous" instead of "past", offering a similar meaning.

Old problem

Uses a simpler and more direct wording for the past issue.

Legacy issue

Uses "legacy" to emphasize the lasting impact of the past problem.

Outdated problem

Highlights that the problem is no longer current or relevant.

Retrospective problem

Implies the problem is being considered in hindsight.

Bygone problem

Emphasizes that the problem belongs to a time long past.

FAQs

How can I use "problem of the past" in a sentence?

You can use "problem of the past" to refer to an issue that occurred in the past and is no longer a current concern. For example, "While we acknowledge the "scourge of the past", we must focus on building a better future".

What are some alternatives to "problem of the past"?

Alternatives include "past issue", "historical challenge", or "legacy issue". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it always accurate to describe something as a "problem of the past"?

Not necessarily. While an issue may have originated in the past, its effects might still be felt today. Ensure that using this phrase doesn't minimize ongoing consequences or challenges.

What's the difference between "problem of the past" and "challenge of the past"?

While similar, "problem" often implies a negative situation or difficulty, whereas "challenge" can suggest an opportunity for growth or overcoming adversity. The choice depends on the specific context and the perspective you wish to convey.