the kernel of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the kernel of the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the essential or most important part of an issue or difficulty. Example: "After much discussion, we finally identified the kernel of the problem, which was a lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When considering why this particular population may be vulnerable to heart disease, Stewart (1950) postulates that "these people are exposed to a particular form of stress" (p. 1105) and suggests that the "selectivity of the pathological change is the kernel of the problem" (p. 1105).

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Expenditures vastly exceeding fiscal receipts and an inefficient public administration are rightly seen as the kernel of the problem, and Greece has been pushed to restore fiscal balance.

Huffington Post

"The State Troopers do checks out on the highway and these boys drive by blowing smoke out their windows," says Menzo. "The kernel of the problem," Menzo explained, "is that the majority of the houses are occupied by single mothers".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A further, this time smaller, alternative layer that contains only the kernel of the scientific problem (as perceived by the present author, which may or may not correspond to the perception of the original [25] authors) has been added here, and again four key measurement annotations made, together with selected bonds highlighted in a different colour.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The equation brought security for Jewish Israelis, but emptied hundreds of Palestinian villages and towns of 700,000 inhabitants - the kernel of the Palestinian refugee problem today.

BBC

A crucial ingredient of the proof is developing an approach to separate the higher order linear effect and the boundary nonlinear effect so that the kernels of the nonlinear problem are captured.

Journal of Functional Analysis

For the scalar elliptic problem (I), the kernel of the stiffness matrix of a floating subdomain is spanned by the constant function, i.e., the kernel has dimension one.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

And there's the kernel of the next idea.

The New York Times - Arts

Remark Since the s-numbers of convolution operator A coincide with the modules of the Fourier coefficients of the kernel K, the problem of estimating the s-numbers of "transformed" operator A f can be reduced to the study of the following inequality ? a * b ?

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

"We have hit on the kernel of your problem, kid.

The New Yorker

In columns that read like essays in moral philosophy, posing a series of hypothetical scenarios until the kernel of a problem has been exposed, Kinsley reaches destinations uncomfortable for both them and him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the kernel of the problem" when you want to pinpoint the most essential or fundamental aspect of a complex issue. It's effective for clarifying the focus of a discussion or analysis.

Common error

While "the kernel of the problem" is a useful metaphor, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your language sound cliché and less impactful. Opt for more direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the kernel of the problem" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the central or most important element of a difficulty or issue. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the kernel of the problem" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for identifying the core of an issue. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to consider context and avoid overuse. As the examples in Ludwig demonstrate, this phrase is most frequently found in Science and News & Media. By understanding its function, purpose, and suitable contexts, you can effectively use "the kernel of the problem" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the heart of the problem

Replaces "kernel" with "heart", emphasizing the central and vital aspect of the issue.

the crux of the problem

Substitutes "kernel" with "crux", highlighting the most critical point.

the core of the problem

Uses "core" instead of "kernel", stressing the fundamental and essential part.

the root of the problem

Employs "root" in place of "kernel", focusing on the origin or cause of the issue.

the essence of the problem

Replaces "kernel" with "essence", emphasizing the intrinsic nature of the issue.

the gist of the problem

Substitutes "kernel" with "gist", highlighting the main point or summary.

the nub of the problem

Uses "nub" instead of "kernel", stressing the central point or heart of the matter.

the central issue

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the primary concern.

the main difficulty

Replaces "kernel of the problem" with a more general description of the key challenge.

the fundamental challenge

Emphasizes the basic and underlying nature of the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "the kernel of the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "the kernel of the problem" to identify the central or most important aspect of an issue. For example: "After analyzing the data, we identified "the kernel of the problem" as a lack of resources."

What's a simpler way to say "the kernel of the problem"?

Alternatives to "the kernel of the problem" include "the heart of the problem", "the crux of the problem", or "the core of the problem". All these options convey the same idea of the central issue.

Is "the kernel of the problem" a formal or informal expression?

"The kernel of the problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider using alternatives like "the central issue" or "the fundamental challenge".

What's the difference between "the root of the problem" and "the kernel of the problem"?

"The root of the problem" refers to the cause or origin of the issue, while "the kernel of the problem" refers to the most important or essential aspect of the issue itself. The root explains why, while the kernel describes what is most critical.