several problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to multiple problems in a given situation. For example: "The project was plagued by several problems that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are several problems.

The New York Times

Several problems here.

The New York Times

This causes several problems.

The Guardian

This approach has several problems.

The Economist

Hidden ownership presents several problems.

The Economist

There were several problems.

The New Yorker

But there are several problems.

The New York Times - Sports

Glottochronology suffered from several problems.

The New York Times - Science

There are, however, several problems.

The New York Times - Tech

There are several problems here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now, Google faces several problems.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several problems", be specific about the nature of these problems to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The project faced several problems", state "The project faced several problems, including budget constraints and staffing shortages".

Common error

Avoid using "several problems" as a vague placeholder. Always follow it with concrete examples or a detailed explanation of the issues at hand. Overusing the phrase without specifics can make your writing seem unfocused and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several problems" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies the existence of more than one difficulty or issue, setting the stage for further explanation or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely usable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several problems" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the presence of multiple issues across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it is most frequently found in news and scientific sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. To enhance clarity, it's best to follow the phrase with specific details about the problems being discussed. Remember to avoid vagueness by providing concrete examples or explanations. Related phrases include "various issues" and "multiple difficulties", offering alternative ways to express the same concept with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various issues

Replaces "problems" with a more neutral term, "issues", implying less severity or negativity.

multiple difficulties

Substitutes "problems" with "difficulties", suggesting a focus on challenges requiring effort to overcome.

a number of challenges

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the "problems", framing them as "challenges" that need to be addressed.

several complications

Replaces "problems" with "complications", suggesting that the issues are intricate and may involve unexpected factors.

various setbacks

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the "problems", portraying them as "setbacks" that impede progress.

numerous obstacles

Highlights the obstructive nature of the "problems", presenting them as "obstacles" that must be overcome.

a range of concerns

Replaces "problems" with "concerns", softening the tone and suggesting that the issues are matters of worry or interest.

certain predicaments

Indicates that the "problems" are difficult or unpleasant situations, highlighting the challenging nature of the circumstances.

a few snags

Offers a more informal and less serious way to refer to "problems", suggesting they are minor and easily resolved.

some hitches

Similar to "snags", this phrase implies minor "problems" or temporary difficulties that may cause slight delays.

FAQs

How can I use "several problems" in a sentence?

You can use "several problems" to introduce a list or discussion of multiple issues. For example, "The new system encountered several problems during implementation" or "There are several problems with this approach that need to be addressed".

What are some alternatives to saying "several problems"?

Alternatives include "various issues", "multiple difficulties", or "a number of challenges", depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it more formal to say "numerous problems" instead of "several problems"?

While both are acceptable, "numerous problems" can sound slightly more formal than "several problems". The choice depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.

What's the difference between "a few problems" and "several problems"?

"A few problems" implies a smaller quantity of issues compared to "several problems". "Several" suggests a more significant number or a more concerning situation than "a few".