source of problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"source of problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the cause of a particular issue. For example, "The source of the problem was an issue with the software."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

On her next book, Ms. Goodwin said, she is eliminating the source of problem.

The New York Times

Often, the source of problem lies in the drilling of horizontal section such as permeability reduction in the pay zone due to mud invasion or snaky well patterns created during drilling.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Scrutinizing data showed that item 22 (Steals from home, school or elsewhere) was the source of problem.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

This is one source of problem that makes girls walk out of their homes easily and get into these risks".

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is a major source of problems".

The Guardian

"The authorities are the source of problems," he said.

The New York Times

"It can be a source of solutions but it can also be a source of problems.

The New York Times

Package holidays and the airlines are also a constant source of problems.

The Guardian - Money

"A positive cultural activity will be turned into a source of problems".

The New York Times - Arts

"Another big source of problems are do-it-yourselfers," Mr. Bellini said.

The New York Times

But despite their shrinking presence, the houses were a continuing source of problems, university officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "source of problem", ensure that the context clearly identifies the specific issue being addressed to avoid ambiguity. Using this phrase is particularly effective when pinpointing a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "source of problem" when referring to multiple contributing factors. In such cases, consider using "sources of problems" or "contributing factors" to more accurately reflect the complexity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of problem" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the origin or cause of a specific issue. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and usable. It's used to pinpoint the origin from which an issue arises, as shown in several Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of problem" is a grammatically correct and usable way to identify the origin or cause of a particular issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral tone that works well in news, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase is clear, it's important to specify the exact issue to avoid ambiguity, and to use "source of problems" when referring to multiple contributing factors. High quality authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

origin of the problem

Replaces "source" with "origin", emphasizing the point at which the problem began.

root cause of the problem

Specifies the fundamental reason why the problem exists.

underlying cause of the problem

Highlights the hidden or not immediately obvious reason for the problem.

reason for the problem

Offers a direct and simple alternative, focusing on the explanation.

cause of the issue

Substitutes "problem" with "issue", softening the tone while retaining the meaning.

genesis of the problem

Implies a more formal or academic context, using "genesis" to mean beginning or origin.

starting point of the problem

Emphasizes where the problem initiated.

inciting incident of the problem

Focuses on the specific event that triggered the problem.

primary driver of the problem

Highlights the main factor that is pushing the problem forward.

determinant of the problem

Focuses on what precisely defines or causes the problem to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "source of problem" in a sentence?

You can use "source of problem" to identify the origin or cause of a specific issue. For example: "The investigation revealed that poor maintenance was the "source of problem"."

What is a more formal alternative to "source of problem"?

A more formal alternative to "source of problem" could be "root cause of the issue" or "underlying reason for the difficulty", depending on the context. These options offer a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to say "sources of problem"?

While grammatically possible, "sources of problem" is less common than "source of problems". The plural form is generally preferred when referring to multiple contributing factors.

What's the difference between ""source of problem"" and "reason for problem"?

"Source of problem" typically implies a direct cause, while "reason for problem" can encompass a broader explanation or justification for the issue. The former is more about origin, the latter about rationale.