significant problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a problem that is important or influential in some way. For example, "Climate change is a significant problem that needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Violence remains a significant problem.

The New York Times

Finance remains a significant problem.

The Guardian - Money

But there's a significant problem.

The New York Times - Books

But a significant problem remains.

MIT Technology Review

There is another significant problem.

MIT Technology Review

But there's one significant problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a significant problem, however.

MIT Technology Review

That is a significant problem.

Yale University

So therein lies a very significant problem".

Independent

It really is not a significant problem.

The Guardian

And yet a significant problem remains.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "significant problem", contextualize it with specific details to enhance clarity and provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "significant problem" as a generic statement without providing specific details about the problem's nature, scope, or impact. Ensure your writing clearly explains what makes the problem significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI shows it describes an issue of considerable importance or impact, making it a descriptor within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant problem" is a commonly used phrase that effectively highlights the importance and impact of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's essential to provide specific details to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "major challenge" or "critical concern" to fine-tune the nuance. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious issue

Highlights the gravity and potential consequences of the problem.

major challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to overcome the issue.

critical concern

Indicates that the problem requires immediate attention and action.

substantial difficulty

Focuses on the considerable obstacles posed by the problem.

key obstacle

Points out that the problem is a major impediment to progress.

pressing matter

Suggests that the problem demands urgent resolution.

grave situation

Highlights the severity and potential danger of the problem.

profound dilemma

Emphasizes the complexity and challenging nature of the problem.

notable setback

Indicates that the problem has caused a significant delay or reversal.

formidable hurdle

Implies that the problem presents a tough and demanding challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "significant problem" in a sentence?

You can use "significant problem" to describe an issue that has a notable impact or importance. For example, "Climate change is a "significant problem" that requires immediate attention".

What are some alternatives to "significant problem"?

Some alternatives include "major challenge", "serious issue", or "critical concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "significant problem" or "a significant problem"?

Both are correct, but "a significant problem" is more common when introducing a specific instance of a problem. "Significant problem" can be used in a more general or abstract sense.

What's the difference between "significant problem" and "serious problem"?

While similar, "serious problem" often emphasizes the potential for negative consequences, whereas "significant problem" highlights the importance or impact of the issue, which may or may not be inherently negative.