the biggest problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the biggest problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the most significant or troublesome issue in a situation, and it is a common phrase used in both formal and informal writing. Example: "In our company, the biggest problem we face is the lack of communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the biggest problem.

The New York Times

The biggest problem is funding.

The New York Times

"The biggest problem is stigmatization.

The New York Times

The biggest problem is economic.

The Economist

Uncertainty is the biggest problem we face".

The New York Times

The biggest problem is habitat loss".

The New Yorker

But the biggest problem is timing.

The Economist

That is the biggest problem in.

Independent

That's the biggest problem with it.

The New York Times

Racial discrimination is the biggest problem.

The New Yorker

The biggest problem was tracking him down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "the biggest problem" with a concise explanation of why it is considered the most significant issue.

Common error

Avoid using "the biggest problem" without providing supporting evidence or specific details. General statements lack credibility and can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the biggest problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies the most significant issue within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the biggest problem" is a versatile phrase used to identify the most significant issue in various situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across numerous sources. While suitable for diverse registers, from academic to informal, clarity and context are essential to maximize its impact. Common alternatives include "the main issue" or "the primary concern", but "the biggest problem" effectively emphasizes the magnitude of the challenge. Remember to support your claim with evidence to strengthen your argument and avoid vague or unsupported statements. It is predominantly found in News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main issue

Focuses on the central point of concern rather than the scale of the problem.

the primary concern

Emphasizes worry and importance instead of size or magnitude.

the central difficulty

Highlights the core obstacle or challenge, shifting the focus to the inherent difficulty.

the key challenge

Highlights the most important obstacle to overcome instead of a negative outcome.

the major obstacle

Emphasizes the hindrance aspect more than the general problem.

the most significant issue

Emphasizes the importance of the issue rather than its problematic nature.

the fundamental flaw

Highlights an inherent defect or weakness instead of a broad problem.

the core impediment

Emphasizes the hindering nature of the issue, focusing on what prevents progress.

the underlying cause

Shifts the focus from the problem itself to its root origin.

the root of the problem

Focuses on the origin or source from which the issue arises.

FAQs

How can I use "the biggest problem" in a sentence?

Use "the biggest problem" to identify the most significant challenge or issue within a specific context. For example, "The biggest problem is funding."

What are some alternatives to "the biggest problem"?

You can use phrases like "the main issue", "the primary concern", or "the key challenge" depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "the biggest problem" or "the major problem"?

Both "the biggest problem" and "the major problem" are correct, but "the biggest problem" implies a larger scale or impact compared to "the major problem".

What's the difference between "the biggest problem" and "the root cause"?

"The biggest problem" refers to the most significant issue, while "the root cause" refers to the fundamental reason why the problem exists. They describe different aspects of the same issue.