substantial problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or serious issue or challenge. Example: The government is facing a substantial problem with the rising unemployment rate in the country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It could become a substantial problem," he said.

The New York Times

"They're unaware of the substantial problem we do have.

The New York Times

The other, more substantial problem is her cravenness towards Russia.

The Economist

"Sexual misconduct is a serious and substantial problem, and Columbia needs to take it seriously.

The New York Times

What is less clear is whether the trade imbalance will prove to be a substantial problem.

The New York Times

The recovery of the otters proved not to be a substantial problem for the Navy.

The New York Times - Science

Fraud is a substantial problem, and the attitude toward it has changed little over the years, other editors say.

The New York Times - Health

He said he would virtually eliminate DirecTV's substantial problem with piracy of its signal by using new set-top technology from the News Corporation's NDS subsidiary.

The New York Times

From a global perspective, right now we are building up a huge problem in the west with our net debt and this is a substantial problem for development.

The Guardian

Despite all of the improvements on and off the field in MLS, the league still has a glaring and substantial problem: national broadcast ratings.

The Guardian - Sport

Methyl mercury, the toxic form, even poses a substantial problem for the Arctic, she said, because it can accumulate in polar bears and seals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the magnitude and impact of the issue. Provide specific details or evidence to support your claim. For example, instead of saying "The project faces a substantial problem", specify "The project faces a "substantial problem" due to budget overruns and resource constraints".

Common error

Avoid using "substantial problem" for minor inconveniences or easily resolvable issues. This can diminish the impact of the phrase when describing genuinely significant problems. For example, don't describe a delayed email as a "substantial problem".

Linguistic Context

"Substantial problem" functions as a noun phrase where "substantial" modifies "problem", indicating a problem of considerable size, importance, or significance. As per Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to highlight the magnitude of the issue at hand. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe trade imbalances, sexual misconduct, and debt issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

58%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a significant issue or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it is found most commonly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, reflecting its use in describing serious matters across various domains. When writing, ensure that the use of "substantial problem" is justified by the context and the magnitude of the issue at hand. Alternative phrases like "significant challenge" or "serious issue" can be used depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious issue

Underscores the gravity and potential consequences of the problem.

significant challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to overcome the problem. It focuses more on the challenge aspect.

critical concern

Highlights the importance and urgency of addressing the problem.

major obstacle

Highlights the hindering aspect of the problem, suggesting it blocks progress.

pressing concern

Indicates that the problem requires immediate attention and action.

severe complication

Suggests the problem has arisen from something else and is complex to solve.

considerable difficulty

Focuses on the degree of trouble and complexity involved.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty of the problem by highlighting its intimidating nature.

notable difficulty

Highlights that the problem is easily observed or recognized.

grave matter

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential danger of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial problem" to describe a significant issue, as in: "The company is facing a "substantial problem" with its supply chain", or "Climate change poses a "substantial problem" for coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "substantial problem"?

Consider using phrases like "significant challenge", "serious issue", or "major obstacle" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantial problem" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing serious or significant issues. It conveys a sense of importance and gravity.

What makes a problem "substantial"?

A problem is considered "substantial" when it has a significant impact, affects a large number of people or resources, or is difficult to resolve. It implies a level of seriousness beyond a minor inconvenience.