string of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "string of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of issues or difficulties that are connected or occurring in succession. Example: "The project faced a string of problems, including budget overruns and scheduling conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The fight was the latest in a string of problems for Sidney.

The New York Times - Sports

The Dreamliner has experienced a string of problems with its electrical systems in recent weeks.

The New York Times

Joint Base Lewis-McChord has come under scrutiny because of a string of problems in recent years.

The New York Times

The alliance said it uncovered a string of problems in a survey of 4,450 workers at nine Indonesian factories.

The New York Times

The accident is the latest in a string of problems, including environmental disasters, that Petrobras has had to answer for.

The New York Times

The French company has faced a string of problems recently as it sought to expand throughout the Continent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The MTH problem is just the latest in an 18-monthlong string of Intel problems, including chip shortages, bugs in chipsets and continuing obstacles to advancing the PC industry to next-generation memory called RDRAM.

Forbes

The recent string of similar problems has baffled safety experts who said the industry assumed it had successfully resolved the problem of metal fatigue after an accident in 1988 involving a 737 jet flown by Aloha Airlines.

The New York Times

I said I thought I'd had an unusual string of irritating problems, and she laughed.

The New York Times - Travel

This is the latest in a string of health problems that Ms Fernández has suffered.

The Economist

Strawberry has had a string of legal problems since the late 1980's.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "string of problems", ensure the context clearly establishes a connection between the problems, implying a sequence or pattern rather than isolated incidents.

Common error

Avoid using "string of problems" when a simpler description of difficulties would suffice. Overusing dramatic language can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "string of problems" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sequence of related difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "string of problems" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a sequence of related difficulties. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. It’s particularly frequent in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, ensure you are emphasizing a connection between the problems, and avoid overuse in overly dramatic situations. Consider alternative phrases like "series of issues" or "succession of difficulties" for more nuanced expressions. Being aware of its grammatical function and communicative purpose will allow you to express the concept of a string of interconnected issues in a precise and effective way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of issues

Emphasizes a sequential arrangement of troubles, using more neutral language.

succession of difficulties

Highlights the consecutive nature of challenges faced.

chain of complications

Suggests that problems are linked together, forming a sequence.

barrage of setbacks

Implies a rapid and overwhelming series of negative events.

cluster of predicaments

Indicates a group of challenging situations occurring together.

wave of troubles

Describes a period marked by the frequent occurrence of problems.

onslaught of crises

Presents a forceful and aggressive series of critical events.

episode of mishaps

Refers to a specific period characterized by frequent accidents or unfortunate events.

cycle of failures

Indicates a repeating pattern of unsuccessful attempts or outcomes.

litany of woes

Emphasizes the numerous and often lamentable nature of the problems.

FAQs

How can I use "string of problems" in a sentence?

You can use "string of problems" to describe a series of related difficulties, such as: "The company faced a "string of problems" during the product launch."

What are some alternatives to "string of problems"?

Alternatives include "series of issues", "succession of difficulties", or "chain of complications", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "string of problems" or "series of problems"?

"String of problems" and "series of problems" are often interchangeable, but "string" suggests a closer, more connected sequence, while "series" is more general.

When is it best to use "string of problems" over other similar phrases?

Use "string of problems" when you want to emphasize that the issues are not only numerous but also closely linked in time or cause, forming a distinct sequence of related troubles. This is more emphatic than a simple "list of issues".