smallest problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"smallest problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the least of one's worries or the easiest issue to solve. For example, "I thought finding a babysitter would be my smallest problem, but it turned out to be the biggest challenge I faced this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He said: "That was the smallest problem.

The Guardian - Sport

"They look at the smallest problem, and they think the picture is ruined.

The New York Times - Arts

"Acquiring low-cost computers is the smallest problem," said Tan B. Vu, manager of the center's digital inclusion program.

The New York Times

Drew Brees stepped onto the scale at the N.F.L.'s scouting combine in 2001 and was quickly reminded of his biggest — and smallest — problem.

The New York Times - Sports

He would not confirm their execution next week, saying he wanted to be prepared for the smallest problem before the Bali Nine pair and up to eight others go before the firing squad for drugs offences.

The Guardian

It is the smallest problem".

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This is not a small problem.

The New York Times

But there is one, small problem.

The Economist

Alas, there was a small problem.

The Economist

They may encounter a small problem.

The New York Times

"There's just one small problem, though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prioritizing tasks, identify and address the "smallest problem" first to gain momentum and build confidence.

Common error

Don't dismiss the "smallest problem" as unimportant; sometimes, addressing it can prevent larger issues from developing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smallest problem" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the least significant issue or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Many of the examples on Ludwig highlight instances where "smallest problem" is compared against a larger, more significant issue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smallest problem" is used to describe the least significant issue among a set of problems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is valuable for prioritizing and contextualizing issues, offering a clear way to differentiate minor concerns from more pressing ones. When using the phrase, consider whether alternatives like "least significant issue" or "minor difficulty" might be more appropriate for the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least significant issue

Focuses on the minimal importance of the issue, using different vocabulary.

minor difficulty

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty", suggesting a less severe situation.

trivial matter

Emphasizes the insignificance of the problem, using a more formal tone.

negligible concern

Highlights the lack of worry the problem causes, with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

slight hitch

Uses "hitch" to soften the idea of a problem, implying a temporary setback.

insignificant setback

Similar to slight hitch but focuses on the nature of the problem in an evolutionary sense.

a mere detail

Downplays the issue as a simple aspect of something larger.

the least of one's worries

Shifts perspective to emphasize that other issues are more pressing.

a grain of sand

Introduces a metaphor to show the problem is only a tiny part of something much bigger.

a drop in the bucket

Uses another metaphor to highlight the insignificance of the problem in relation to the whole situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "smallest problem" to refer to the least significant issue among several, for example: "Acquiring low-cost computers is the "smallest problem", the bigger problem is that people don't have internet access."

What's a good alternative to "smallest problem"?

Alternatives include "least significant issue", "minor difficulty", or "trivial matter", depending on the specific context.

Is it always best to address the "smallest problem" first?

While addressing the "smallest problem" first can provide a quick win, it's not always the most strategic approach. Consider prioritizing based on impact and urgency as well.

What is the difference between "small problem" and "smallest problem"?

"Small problem" refers to any minor issue, whereas "smallest problem" indicates the least significant issue among multiple problems. You use the latter when comparing different issues.