that was the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a solution to a problem. For example: "We tried many solutions, but none of them worked. Then we realized that was the problem - we needed to approach it from a different perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

To Johansson, that was the problem.

The New York Times - Sports

It was autumn that was the problem.

The New York Times - Sports

But we opened up too much – that was the problem".

Independent

It wasn't the land that was the problem.

The New Yorker

It wasn't evolving English that was the problem.

Independent

It was the money that was the problem.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's women that are the problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Um, well, yes, that is the problem.

The New York Times

To me, that's the problem.

The New Yorker

No-one - that is the problem.

BBC

That is the problem".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was the problem" to succinctly identify the central issue in a discussion or analysis. It is especially effective after reviewing unsuccessful attempts to resolve a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "that was the problem" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms or more descriptive explanations of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was the problem" functions as a concise way to identify the central issue or obstacle in a given situation. It usually appears after an analysis or explanation of events, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was the problem" is a versatile phrase used to pinpoint the central issue after analyzing a situation. It's deemed grammatically correct and very common, according to Ludwig, appearing frequently in news and media. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions to maintain writing quality. It serves as a tool for clarity and insight in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's where the issue lay

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and uses a more descriptive verb phrase "where the issue lay".

that's what caused the difficulty

Substitutes "problem" with "difficulty" and uses a causal structure.

that explains the trouble

Replaces "that was" with "that explains" to provide an explanation.

the core issue was that

Highlights the "core issue" for emphasis.

the fundamental flaw was

Emphasizes a "fundamental flaw" as the cause.

the root of the matter was

Uses a more descriptive and emphatic phrase.

the underlying cause was

Focuses on the "underlying cause" as the main issue.

this is where it all went wrong

Expresses the idea of something going wrong.

the deficiency resided in

Identifies a "deficiency" as the central issue.

the crux of the matter was

Emphasizes the "crux of the matter" for clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "that was the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "that was the problem" to point out the central issue after analyzing a situation. For example, "We tried several solutions, but "that was the problem": we didn't understand the core issue."

What are some alternatives to "that was the problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the issue was", "the difficulty was", or "the root cause was", depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "that was the problem"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "that was the problem" is acceptable and can be effective for emphasis. However, ensure it flows logically from the preceding context.

What's the difference between "that was the problem" and "that is the problem"?

"That was the problem" refers to a past issue that has been identified, while "that is the problem" refers to a current or ongoing issue.