root of the problem is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "root of the problem is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when identifying the fundamental issue or cause of a situation or problem. Example: "After much discussion, we finally realized that the root of the problem is a lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"The root of the problem is structural.

The Economist

The root of the problem is money.

The New York Times

The root of the problem is easy to understand.

The New Yorker

As usual, the root of the problem is envy.

The New Yorker

The root of the problem is not willpower but neuroscience.

The New York Times

But the root of the problem is structural.

The Economist

But maybe the root of the problem is also cultural.

The New York Times

The root of the problem is mandatory celibacy.

The New York Times

The root of the problem is that no one understands why we are conscious.

The New Yorker

"The root of the problem is that the states are in financial trouble," she said.

The New York Times

At the root of the problem is the simple fact that labor has excessive structural leverage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "root of the problem is", ensure that the statement clearly identifies the core issue. Avoid vagueness and provide specific details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid assuming that identifying the "root of the problem is" enough to solve it. Recognize that multiple contributing factors may need to be addressed for a comprehensive solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "root of the problem is" serves as a declarative statement introducing the fundamental or primary cause of a particular issue. It functions to identify the core reason behind a problem, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "root of the problem is" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for identifying the fundamental cause of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various domains, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to use it precisely, ensuring clarity and avoiding oversimplification. Remember that while identifying the root is important, it is not the end of the resolution process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying cause is

Replaces "root of the problem" with "underlying cause", emphasizing causation.

fundamental issue is

Substitutes "root of the problem" with "fundamental issue", highlighting the core issue.

core issue is

Uses "core issue" instead of "root of the problem", focusing on the central aspect.

main reason is

Replaces "root of the problem" with "main reason", emphasizing the primary cause.

primary cause is

Substitutes "root of the problem" with "primary cause", indicating the main causal factor.

the heart of the matter is

Uses a more idiomatic expression, "the heart of the matter", to refer to the central issue.

the crux of the problem is

Replaces "root of the problem" with "the crux of the problem", highlighting the most critical point.

the key factor is

Substitutes "root of the problem" with "the key factor", emphasizing a crucial element.

the underlying factor is

Replaces "root of the problem" with "the underlying factor", emphasizing the causal element.

the source of the problem is

Changes "root" to "source", maintaining the meaning of origin or cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "root of the problem is" to introduce the fundamental cause of a specific issue. For example, "The "root of the problem is" a lack of communication."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "underlying cause is", "fundamental issue is", or "core issue is". These can provide a similar meaning while varying your language.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "root of the problem is"?

This phrase is appropriate when you want to emphasize the primary or fundamental cause of a problem. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Is "root cause" the same as "root of the problem"?

While similar, "root cause" is a noun phrase referring to the fundamental reason something occurred, whereas "root of the problem is" is a phrase that introduces a statement about what that fundamental reason is. You could say, "The root cause is X" or "The "root of the problem is" X."