social problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a commonly used phrase to refer to issues related to society such as poverty, hunger, and inequality. For example, "Our country must address the growing number of social problems if it is to achieve greater success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Social problems?

The Guardian

Wrestling with social problems.

The New York Times - Arts

Unsurprisingly, social problems abounded.

The Economist

This has its own social problems.

The New York Times

Certainly police officers cannot solve social problems.

The Economist

"These kids have dramatic social problems.

The New York Times - Health

The social problems may be thornier.

The New York Times

Social problems are nothing new, either.

The New York Times

Discovering new ways of solving social problems.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is also creating social problems.

The Economist

"They cause big social problems".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "social problems", be specific about which issues you are addressing to avoid vagueness. Instead of saying, "The city faces many social problems", specify "The city faces issues like homelessness and unemployment".

Common error

Avoid attributing "social problems" solely to individual failings. Recognize the systemic factors that contribute to these issues, such as poverty, lack of education, and discriminatory policies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social problems" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates that it is used to identify issues impacting society. For instance, "Alcohol addiction already causes huge social problems".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "social problems" is a very common and grammatically sound term used to describe a range of issues affecting societies and communities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is primarily used in neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media. Alternatives include "societal challenges" or "community issues". When using "social problems", it's crucial to be specific about the issues being discussed to avoid overgeneralization and to recognize the systemic factors involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

societal challenges

This alternative emphasizes the broad, systemic nature of the issues.

social ills

This suggests deeply rooted and negative societal issues.

complex social issues

Highlights the complicated and multifaceted nature of the problems.

community issues

This focuses on problems within a specific geographic area or group.

critical social concerns

Emphasizes the urgent and important nature of the issues.

public welfare concerns

This highlights problems that affect the well-being of the general population.

systemic inequalities

Focuses on the embedded and pervasive nature of unequal outcomes.

socioeconomic disparities

This refers specifically to inequalities in wealth and opportunity.

civic difficulties

This refers to challenges related to civil society and governance.

humanitarian crises

This describes severe problems causing widespread suffering and loss of life.

FAQs

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

You can use "social problems" to describe issues affecting communities and societies. For example, "Poverty and lack of education are significant "social problems" in many urban areas".

What are some examples of "social problems"?

Examples of "social problems" include poverty, unemployment, crime, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare. These issues impact individuals and communities in various ways.

What can I say instead of "social problems"?

Alternatives to "social problems" include "societal challenges", "community issues", or "public welfare concerns", depending on the specific context.

How do "social problems" differ from individual problems?

"Social problems" are issues that affect a large number of people within a society and often require systemic solutions. Individual problems may affect one person or a small group and can often be addressed through personal actions or interventions.