Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

that's the problem
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

To me, that's the problem.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"No facts, that's the problem".

News & Media

The Guardian

Yeah, that's the problem.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Whatever, that's the problem.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Yup, that's the problem.

News & Media

Huffington Post

It's the big gulp that's the problem".

Science

Diabetes Care

But that's the problem.

News & Media

The New York Times

That's the problem, actually.

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's women that are the problem.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

Um, well, yes, that is the problem.

News & Media

The New York Times

No-one - that is the problem.

News & Media

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's the problem" when you want to directly and succinctly identify a key issue in a discussion or situation. It's best used when the problem is relatively clear and doesn't require extensive explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "that's the problem" in highly formal writing or presentations. Opt for more sophisticated and detailed phrasing to maintain a professional tone. For example, in a report, state "the central challenge lies in..." rather than defaulting to the more casual phrase.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's the problem" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It's used to identify the core issue or difficulty in a given situation, effectively pinpointing the source of trouble. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

Less common in

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's the problem" is a common phrase used to directly identify the core issue in a situation. It functions as a declarative statement, clearly pinpointing the challenge at hand. While grammatically correct and versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase, as more formal alternatives may be appropriate in certain settings. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media sources. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is used correctly and effectively, making it a reliable choice for straightforward communication.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is the difficulty

Formal rephrasing; replaces the contraction "that's" with "that is" and "problem" with the more formal "difficulty".

that's the challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing the issue as something to be overcome.

that's where the issue lies

More descriptive and indirect way of pointing out the problem.

that's the crux of the matter

Replaces "problem" with "crux of the matter", indicating the most important or decisive point.

that's the heart of it

An idiomatic expression indicating the core or essence of the problem.

that's what's causing trouble

Shifts focus to the cause of the trouble rather than directly stating the problem.

that's the root cause

More analytical, specifying that it is the underlying cause of the issue.

therein lies the problem

Formal and somewhat literary way to introduce the problem.

that's a major obstacle

Replaces "problem" with "major obstacle", highlighting the hindering aspect of the situation.

that explains the trouble

Shifts the emphasis to the explanation of an existing problem rather than identifying the problem itself.

FAQs

What does "that's the problem" mean?

The phrase "that's the problem" is used to identify the main issue or obstacle in a situation. It directly points out the core challenge or difficulty being faced.

When is it appropriate to use "that's the problem"?

It's suitable to use "that's the problem" in conversations, informal writing, and situations where a direct and concise statement is needed. It may be less appropriate in highly formal or academic contexts.

What are some alternative ways to say "that's the problem"?

You can use alternatives like "that is the difficulty", "that's the challenge", or "that's where the issue lies", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that's the problem" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that's the problem" is grammatically correct. "That's" is a contraction of "that is", and it is commonly used in spoken and written English.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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that's the problemGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

that's the problem
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples