run into problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run into problems" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to encountering difficulties, obstacles, or other issues. For example, "We ran into some problems while trying to climb the mountain, but we eventually made it to the summit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

California, the only state with truly ambitious (and funded) high-speed rail plans, has run into problem after problem.

The Economist

As we try to reduce the operator to the canonical form, we immediately run into problem of resonances when (f_1m_1+cdots +f_rm_r=0) at some point with (min mathbb {Z}^d); (|m_1|+cdots +|m_r|) is an order of resonance.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We're going to run into problems.

The New York Times

…I run into problems using CourseWorks?

Columbia University

After this, you may run into problems.

The Guardian

Already, the auctions have run into problems.

The New York Times

Any system can run into problems.

The New York Times

Even then you can run into problems.

The Washington Post

And like Mr. Clark, Mr. Santana has run into problems.

The New York Times

It is here that he starts to run into problems.

The New York Times - Books

Some British companies have run into problems in the past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing recurring issues or general tendencies, prefer the plural form "run into problems" for broader applicability. Use the singular form "run into problem" when detailing a specific, isolated incident.

Common error

Avoid switching between the singular "problem" and plural "problems" when referring to the same issue within a context. Maintain consistency throughout your writing for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run into problem" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of encountering a specific difficulty or issue. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing situations where challenges are met unexpectedly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run into problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe encountering a specific difficulty. While less common than its plural counterpart, "run into problems", it is appropriate when referring to a single, isolated issue. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, highlighting examples across News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When writing, consider the context and choose the plural form when referring to general or recurring issues and the singular when referring to a single specific incident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter an issue

Replaces "run into" with a more formal "encounter" and "problem" with a more generic "issue".

experience a complication

Replaces "problem" with "complication", suggesting a more intricate or complex issue.

face a difficulty

Substitutes "run into" with "face" and "problem" with "difficulty", suggesting a more direct confrontation with the challenge.

come up against a challenge

Offers a more descriptive and formal alternative, using "challenge" instead of "problem".

meet an obstacle

Uses "meet" instead of "run into" and "obstacle" instead of "problem", implying a more static impediment.

be confronted with a setback

Presents a more passive construction, where the subject is "confronted" with a "setback", implying a negative impact.

strike a snag

Replaces "problem" with the more informal "snag", suggesting a minor difficulty.

stumble upon a hitch

Uses "stumble upon" for a less expected encounter and "hitch" as a more casual synonym for problem.

hit a roadblock

Employs a metaphorical term, "roadblock", to describe the problem, emphasizing its hindering effect.

find oneself in a bind

Expresses the situation as being "in a bind", which implies a more restrictive or difficult predicament.

FAQs

What's the difference between "run into problem" and "run into problems"?

"Run into problem" typically refers to a single, specific issue, while "run into problems" suggests multiple or recurring difficulties. The plural form is far more common.

Is "run into problem" grammatically correct?

Yes, "run into problem" is grammatically correct, though less common than "run into problems". It's suitable when referring to a singular, distinct issue.

When should I use "encounter a problem" instead of "run into problem"?

"Encounter a problem" is a more formal alternative suitable for professional or academic contexts. "Run into problem" is more casual and common in everyday conversation.

What are some synonyms for "run into problem"?

Alternatives include "face a difficulty", "meet an obstacle", or "experience a complication", each carrying slight differences in nuance.