run into a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'run into a problem' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which someone is confronted with an obstacle or difficulty. For example, "We've run into a problem in the production process and will have to delay the launch date of the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Here we run into a problem.

The Economist

"When you only hear from one side, that's where you run into a problem".

The Guardian

One mile away you run into a problem, and your life has changed".

The New York Times

No owner of a phone equipped with G.P.S. has run into a problem in Rhode Island.

The New York Times - Tech

But it has run into a problem in the shape of a remarkably generous pension scheme inherited from BP.

The Economist

The astronauts did run into a problem later with the shuttle's Ku-band antenna, used to send data and video to the ground via NASA satellites.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

But she ran into a problem.

The Guardian

The rescue train ran into a problem, however.

The New York Times

And over and over again, he says, he and other committee members ran into a problem.

The New York Times - Health

The novel was optioned before it was published and we immediately ran into a problem.

The Guardian - Film

"You did something till you ran into a problem, then you solved the problem, then you kept going," Mr. Ragone said of the mind-set.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run into a problem", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific difficulty was encountered. For example, instead of "We ran into a problem", specify "We ran into a problem with the software installation".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "We ran into a problem". Instead, provide context: "We ran into a problem with the budget allocation, requiring immediate adjustments."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run into a problem" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the experience of encountering an unforeseen difficulty or obstacle. It's used to describe a situation where a problem arises unexpectedly during a process or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run into a problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe encountering a difficulty. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, noting its prevalence across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, clarity is key: specify the nature of the problem rather than leaving it vague. Alternatives like "encounter a difficulty" or "face an obstacle" offer varying degrees of formality. When writing, avoid vagueness and provide specific details about the encountered issue for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter a difficulty

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of meeting a challenge.

face an obstacle

This suggests confronting a barrier that impedes progress.

experience a setback

This highlights the negative impact of the problem on progress.

meet with a challenge

Implies facing something that tests one's abilities or resources.

hit a snag

This is a more informal way of saying that a small problem has occurred.

come up against an issue

This phrase describes facing an issue directly, often unexpectedly.

find oneself in trouble

This suggests a situation where one is facing difficulties or danger.

find oneself in a predicament

This is a formal way to describe being in a difficult or unpleasant situation.

get into a bind

Implies being in a difficult or restrictive situation.

be up against it

This idiom suggests facing significant difficulties or opposition.

FAQs

What does "run into a problem" mean?

The phrase "run into a problem" means to encounter or experience a difficulty, obstacle, or unexpected issue. It suggests that the problem was not necessarily anticipated but arose during a process or activity.

What are some alternatives to "run into a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "encounter a difficulty", "face an obstacle", or "experience a setback" depending on the context.

How can I use "run into a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "run into a problem" in a sentence like this: "During the development of the new app, the team "ran into a problem" with data integration."

Is "run into a problem" formal or informal?

"Run into a problem" is considered fairly neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional settings.