size of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "size of the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the magnitude or extent of an issue or challenge. Example: "Before we proceed, we need to assess the size of the problem to determine the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look, for instance, at the size of the problem.

Harvard Business Review

The epidemiology of obesity: the size of the problem.

Nature

But that figure pales in comparison to the size of the problem.

The Guardian

But the NAO said funding for this remained small compared with the size of the problem.

The Guardian - Money

The proliferation of these organisations is a sign in itself of the size of the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Diagnosis Can Be Tricky The size of the problem is startling in itself.

The New York Times - Health

Mr. Nixon did not minimize the size of the problem, which is considerable.

The New York Times

(Here n is the number of variables and L the input size of the problem).

Yale University

Without fanfare, the official consensus estimate of the size of the problem is shrunk.

The Economist

The first is to be honest about the size of the problem.

The Economist

This, too, is an agenda commensurate with the size of the problem that confronts us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before using "size of the problem" ask yourself if there's an alternative to measure a situation such as "severity of the matter", "gravity of the situation" or "scale of the challenge".

Common error

Avoid using "size of the problem" when the problem's magnitude is already evident. Instead, focus on solutions or specific aspects of the problem that require attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "size of the problem" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It refers to the magnitude or extent of a particular issue or challenge. Ludwig provides many examples illustrating its versatile usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "size of the problem" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe the magnitude or extent of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and very common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal settings. When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific context or data to quantify the problem's extent, avoiding vague statements. Alternatives include phrases such as "magnitude of the issue" or "scope of the problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, "size of the problem" is a clear and effective way to highlight the importance of addressing a particular challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magnitude of the issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" to offer a slightly different framing, while "magnitude" emphasizes the scale.

scope of the problem

"Scope" focuses on the breadth or range of the problem, rather than its absolute size.

extent of the issue

"Extent" highlights how far-reaching or widespread the problem is.

scale of the challenge

Uses "challenge" instead of "problem", and "scale" to emphasize the relative size or difficulty.

gravity of the situation

"Gravity" emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the situation.

seriousness of the matter

"Seriousness" highlights the potential danger or negative impact of the problem.

dimensions of the difficulty

"Dimensions" suggests considering the various aspects or facets that make the difficulty significant.

degree of the complexity

"Degree of complexity" focuses specifically on how intricate or complicated the problem is.

implications of the matter

"Implications" shifts the focus to the potential outcomes and effects of the problem.

ramifications of the issue

"Ramifications" emphasizes the far-reaching and often unforeseen consequences of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "size of the problem" to emphasize the magnitude or extent of a challenge. For example: "We need to understand the "size of the problem" before we can develop effective solutions."

What are some alternatives to "size of the problem"?

Alternatives include "magnitude of the issue", "scope of the problem", or "extent of the issue". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "size of the problem" or "severity of the problem"?

While both are correct, "size of the problem" refers to the scale or scope, while "severity of the problem" refers to the seriousness or potential impact. Choose the phrase that best reflects the aspect you want to emphasize.

When should I quantify the "size of the problem"?

Quantifying the "size of the problem" is most effective when you have specific data or metrics to support your assessment. This helps to provide a clearer and more compelling understanding of the issue.