quite a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult situation or challenge. For example, "The mess in the kitchen was quite a problem to clean up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Rene and Ben have quite a problem.

The New York Times

And that's quite a problem because Afghanistan has tough times ahead.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, March 22 , 1930 P. 13Dial phones are quite a problem.

The New Yorker

It was quite a problem just scaling the planets down to a workable size.

The Guardian

A study released by the United Nations Children's Fund this week suggests that Britain has quite a problem.

The Economist

"It was quite a problem at the start but I've learnt to calm my stress-levels down.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Four questions each linked to a certain subject: "Do you have problems with: reading"; "writing"; "mathematics"; or "foreign language (English)?" Each had four response options: no problems (1), some problems, quite a few problems, and lots of problems (4).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Four questions each linked to a certain subject; "Do you have problems with; reading?", "writing?", "mathematics?" or "foreign language (English)?" and each with four response options; no problems (1), some problems, quite a few problems, and lots of problems (4).

BMC Public Health

MSIS-29 scores can be categorized so that 0 19 represent "no problems"; 20 39, "few problems"; 40 59, "moderate problems"; 60 79, "quite a few problems"; and 80 100, "extreme problems" [ 20].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Ours is quite a long problem and quite a public problem.

The Guardian

At nearer distances it wouldn't be quite such a problem.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite a problem" to downplay a serious issue or to express concern without sounding overly dramatic. This makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a problem" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Vary your language to describe different types of challenges for a more engaging and informative writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a problem" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It serves to identify or describe a situation that presents difficulties or challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and adaptable across various contexts. Its frequency in News & Media and Science indicates its neutrality and broad applicability. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "significant issue" or "major difficulty" to maintain an engaging writing style. This phrase is suitable for expressing concerns without being overly dramatic, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant issue

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the problem.

major difficulty

Highlights the level of hardship or complexity involved.

considerable challenge

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

serious concern

Indicates a worry or apprehension about the problem.

notable predicament

Suggests a tricky or awkward situation.

real setback

Highlights the negative impact or hindrance caused by the problem.

tricky situation

Underscores the delicate and complex nature of the problem.

tough obstacle

Emphasizes the difficulty in overcoming the problem.

vexing matter

Implies the problem is annoying or frustrating.

pressing concern

Indicates the problem requires immediate attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite a problem" to describe a challenging situation. For example, "Finding a suitable venue for the conference was "quite a problem" because of the limited availability".

What are some alternatives to "quite a problem"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "significant issue", "major difficulty", or "considerable challenge".

Is "quite a problem" formal or informal?

"Quite a problem" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to be more common in neutral or slightly informal settings. The choice depends on the audience and tone you aim to convey.

Is it correct to say "quite a few problem" instead of "quite a problem"?

No, it's not correct. "Quite a problem" is singular, referring to one specific issue. If you're referring to multiple issues, you should say "quite a few problems".