real problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an issue that is significant or genuine, often in contrast to minor or trivial concerns. Example: "While some may argue about the budget, the real problem lies in the lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the real problem".

The New York Times

It's a real problem.

The New York Times

Find the real problem!

The New Yorker

MITT ROMNEY'S real problem?

The New York Times

This is a real problem".

The New York Times

That is the real problem.

The New York Times

And that's the real problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tenure is the real problem.

The New York Times

Let's fix the real problem.

The New York Times

The real problem was worse.

The Economist

But here's the real problem.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "real problem", ensure that the context clearly establishes what other, less significant issues might be distracting from the main concern. Providing this contrast enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "real problem" as a generic intensifier. Instead, provide specific details about why the problem is significant and what consequences it entails if left unaddressed. Simply labeling something as a "real problem" without further explanation can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real problem" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "real" modifies "problem". It is used to identify and emphasize the most significant issue among others. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "real problem" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the most significant issue at hand. As noted by Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable, making it suitable for various contexts from news and media to formal discussions. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to distinguish the "real problem" from less significant concerns, enhancing the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actual problem

Replaces "real" with "actual", emphasizing the genuineness of the issue.

genuine issue

Substitutes both words, using synonyms to convey the authenticity of the problem.

serious concern

Emphasizes the gravity of the problem, changing the framing slightly.

fundamental issue

Highlights the foundational or essential nature of the problem.

core difficulty

Focuses on the central or most important challenge.

major challenge

Indicates that the problem is significant and difficult to overcome.

underlying problem

Suggests that the problem is not immediately obvious but exists beneath the surface.

primary obstacle

Highlights the problem as a barrier to progress.

key impediment

Similar to "primary obstacle", emphasizing the hindering nature of the problem.

critical matter

Frames the problem as something of utmost importance that needs attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "real problem" to emphasize the significance of an issue, as in, "While budget debates continue, the "real problem" is declining student enrollment".

What are some alternatives to "real problem"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "genuine issue", "serious concern", or "fundamental issue".

Is it better to say "actual problem" or "real problem"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""real problem"" is more common. "Actual problem" might be preferred when contrasting a hypothetical issue with one that truly exists.

What's the difference between "real problem" and "major challenge"?

"Real problem" emphasizes the genuineness of an issue, while "major challenge" highlights the difficulty in overcoming it. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but not all.