root of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"root of the problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the fundamental issue or difficulty that is causing a problem. For example, "After much research, we concluded that lack of funding was the root of the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The root of the problem was motivation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The root of the problem is structural.

The Economist

The root of the problem is money.

The New York Times

"There lies the root of the problem".

The New York Times

That is the root of the problem".

The Guardian

"Getting at the root of the problem," Moreland said.

The Guardian - Tech

By getting at the root of the problem.

The New York Times

The root of the problem is easy to understand.

The New Yorker

Perhaps therein is the root of the problem.

The New York Times

As usual, the root of the problem is envy.

The New Yorker

"This would solve the root of the problem".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "root of the problem", ensure you can clearly articulate what that root is. Avoid vague statements; be specific about the underlying cause you are identifying.

Common error

Avoid mistaking surface-level symptoms for the actual "root of the problem". Dig deeper to identify the fundamental cause, not just the immediate effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "root of the problem" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It identifies the fundamental cause or source of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "root of the problem" is a versatile and frequently used expression to identify the core cause of an issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from journalistic reports to scientific analyses. While synonyms such as "cause of the problem" or "underlying issue" exist, "root of the problem" offers a directness that is often preferred. Remember to focus on genuine underlying causes rather than superficial symptoms when employing this phrase, and avoid vagueness. Overall, it remains a robust and valuable tool in any communicator's arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

origin of the problem

Replaces "root" with "origin", focusing on the starting point of the issue.

source of the problem

Substitutes "root" with "source", highlighting where the issue stems from.

cause of the problem

Replaces "root" with "cause", directly pinpointing what led to the issue.

underlying issue

Focuses on the hidden or less obvious aspect contributing to the problem.

fundamental reason

Emphasizes the basic or essential explanation for the problem.

core of the matter

Highlights the central or most important aspect of the problem.

heart of the problem

Similar to "core", but uses a more metaphorical term to describe the central issue.

genesis of the problem

More formal and emphasizes the beginning or creation of the problem.

crux of the matter

Highlights the decisive or most important point at issue.

essential element

Focuses on a necessary part or aspect, but is slightly less direct than "root".

FAQs

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

You can use "root of the problem" to identify the underlying cause of an issue. For example, "The investigation revealed that poor management was the "root of the problem"".

What are some alternatives to saying "root of the problem"?

Alternatives include "cause of the problem", "origin of the problem", or "underlying issue", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "root of the problem" or "root cause of the problem"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "Root cause of the problem" is more explicit, while ""root of the problem"" is more concise. The best choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and clarity.

Can "root of the problem" refer to multiple causes?

While "root of the problem" typically refers to a single, primary cause, you can use the plural form "roots of the problem" to indicate multiple contributing factors.