supposed problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supposed problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an issue that is assumed or believed to exist, but may not be confirmed. Example: "The supposed problem with the software update turned out to be a minor glitch that was easily fixed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Solutions to the supposed problem are floated daily.

The New York Times

But at the root of most complaints is the supposed problem of surplus.

The Economist

And it refused to allow a recount to proceed under uniform standards that could have corrected the supposed problem.

The New York Times

For example, partial privatization of Social Security -- which Greenspan supports -- would impose "transition costs" in the trillions of dollars, easily taking care of the supposed problem of excessive budget surpluses.

The New York Times - Magazine

While it is true that other broadcasters might then edit the Court's proceedings, picking out dramatic or pivotal moments, the appropriate response to this supposed problem is, Too bad.

The New Yorker

The old bait-and-switch scheme — lure homeowners with a low price for basic services, then find some supposed problem requiring urgent and expensive repairs — is common in the suburbs, and is now being seen with some frequency in New York City, a state senator warned on Thursday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

So where did the supposed problems come from?

The Guardian

A piece by Calvin Tomkins in a recent New Yorker, for example, delved into MoMA's supposed problems.

The Guardian - Arts

"It makes sense to see how that pans out and see if any of the supposed problems with that materialize before you make it permanent".

The New York Times

"I watched a video of Kevin's press conference last Monday at Headingley, when he spoke about supposed problems in the dressing room," Swann added.

Independent

For at least 450 years, policymakers have sought solutions to the supposed problems caused by the fecund, feckless poor, especially those bearing children outside marriage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "supposed problem", ensure the context clearly indicates why the problem's existence is being questioned or presented with skepticism. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "supposed problem" merely as a filler phrase. Only use it when there's a legitimate reason to doubt or question the existence or severity of the problem. Overuse can weaken your writing and make it sound unnecessarily skeptical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "supposed" modifies the noun "problem". It indicates that the existence or severity of the problem is being questioned or presented with skepticism, as Ludwig AI shows.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "supposed problem" is a useful phrase when expressing skepticism about the existence or severity of an issue. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, media, and science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies your skepticism to avoid weakening your argument. Alternatives like "alleged issue" or "purported difficulty" may offer similar nuances. Remember that this phrase isn't a catch-all and only must be used when there's real doubt or when you intend to challenge the validity or severity of something. Ludwig’s analysis confirms its frequent use in analytical writing, emphasizing its role in critical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alleged issue

Replaces 'problem' with 'issue' and 'supposed' with 'alleged', implying something is claimed but not proven.

purported difficulty

Substitutes 'problem' with 'difficulty' and 'supposed' with 'purported', suggesting the problem is presented as real but may not be.

ostensible challenge

Replaces 'problem' with 'challenge' and 'supposed' with 'ostensible', indicating a problem that appears to be the case but might not be.

so-called issue

Uses 'so-called' to denote skepticism or doubt about whether an issue truly exists.

presumed complication

Replaces 'problem' with 'complication' and 'supposed' with 'presumed', suggesting the problem is assumed to exist.

reputed trouble

Substitutes 'problem' with 'trouble' and 'supposed' with 'reputed', implying the problem is widely believed but may not be factual.

professed concern

Replaces 'problem' with 'concern' and 'supposed' with 'professed', indicating the problem is stated openly but may not be genuinely felt.

apparent setback

Replaces 'problem' with 'setback' and 'supposed' with 'apparent', conveying the problem seems to exist on the surface.

nominal hiccup

Replaces 'problem' with 'hiccup' and 'supposed' with 'nominal', indicating a minor or insignificant problem.

theoretical snag

Replaces 'problem' with 'snag' and 'supposed' with 'theoretical', suggesting the problem is only hypothetical or potential.

FAQs

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

You can use "supposed problem" to refer to an issue that is believed to exist, but its existence or severity is questioned. For example: "The government has argued that such a law is necessary as both a generous and pragmatic solution to the "supposed problem" of multiple criminal investigations being pursued against corruption".

What are some alternatives to "supposed problem"?

Alternatives include "alleged issue", "purported difficulty", or "so-called issue". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "supposed problem"?

No, it's best to use "supposed problem" when there is a clear reason to question the validity or severity of a problem. Overusing it without justification can weaken your writing.

What is the difference between "supposed problem" and "actual problem"?

"Supposed problem" suggests doubt about whether an issue truly exists or is as serious as claimed. An "actual problem" refers to a confirmed and verifiable issue.