remain a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

'remain a problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe something that persists or is not solved. For example, "The issue of global warming continues to remain a problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poverty and food insecurity remain a problem.

The New York Times

But particulates and ozone remain a problem.

The New York Times

Even so, nitrogen levels remain a problem.

The New Yorker

Gang conflicts remain a problem.

The Guardian - Arts

But alleys remain a problem.

The New York Times

Crime and drugs remain a problem.

The New York Times

Floodwaters remain a problem in Houston.

The New York Times

But for some, the blasts remain a problem.

The New York Times

However, such fixture congestion will remain a problem.

The Guardian - Sport

Special teams remain a problem because the tackling is poor.

The New York Times - Sports

Drugs and prostitution remain a problem, residents say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful to provide sufficient context when using "remain a problem", indicating what efforts have been made, and why the issue is still outstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "remain a problem" repeatedly within a short section of writing. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "persist as a challenge" or "continue to be an issue" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain a problem" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and indicates the continuation of an unresolved issue. Examples show it used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remain a problem" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe ongoing issues across various contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability make it a reliable choice for both formal and informal communication. While overuse should be avoided by incorporating alternatives such as "persist as a challenge", or "continue to be an issue", understanding the straightforward nature of the phrase is key to clearly communicating the persistence of unresolved situations. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media" and "Science" with roughly 40% usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to be an issue

This alternative uses "continue" to emphasize the ongoing nature of the problem.

is a persistent issue

Uses "persistent" to emphasize the long-lasting quality of the issue.

persist as a challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and uses "persist" to highlight the enduring nature.

still pose a difficulty

Substitutes "remain" with "still pose" and "problem" with "difficulty", focusing on the impact.

endures as a difficulty

Similar to 'persist', but emphasizes that the difficulty lasts for a long time.

continue to present an obstacle

This uses more formal language, replacing "problem" with "obstacle" and adding "present".

is an ongoing concern

Focuses on the state of being a concern rather than a problem, emphasizing worry.

has yet to be resolved

Highlights the lack of resolution, shifting the focus from the problem itself.

is a continuing source of trouble

Replaces "problem" with a more descriptive "source of trouble" highlighting effects of the problem.

present an unresolved matter

Focuses on the lack of resolution, framing the problem as a matter needing attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain a problem" to indicate that an issue continues to exist. For example, "Despite the new regulations, pollution levels "continue to be a problem" in the city."

What are some alternatives to saying "remain a problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "persist as a challenge", "still pose a difficulty", or "continue to present an obstacle", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "remain a problem" or "remains a problem"?

"Remain a problem" is used when referring to multiple instances or a general condition. "Remains a problem" is used when referring to a singular, specific instance.

What's the difference between "remain a problem" and "is an ongoing concern"?

"Remain a problem" directly states that something is an issue. "Is an ongoing concern" suggests that something is causing worry or anxiety, which is a slightly different focus.