the main problem is that

USAGE SUMMARY

"the main problem is that" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrasing to introduce the problem or issue that your sentence is referring to. For example: The main problem is that the internet connection in our office is not reliable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main problem is that, compared with other parts of the world, costs are not low.

The Economist

The main problem is that few psychology students have previous programming experience.

Journal of Visual Languages & Computing

"The main problem is that company management doesn't show enough respect" to corporate governance rules, she added.

The New York Times

The main problem is that cycling is simply not a part of everyday life for young Britons.

The Guardian

The main problem is that clinics around the world don't have access to enough of it.

Forbes

The main problem is that old computer systems store customer data in lots of different places.

Forbes

The main problem is that channel estimation errors accumulate across the consecutive stages.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"The main problem is that language is too complex," explains Philipp Koehn, a machine translation researcher at the University of Edinburgh School of Informatics.

BBC

The main problem is that most suspects are dead.

Huffington Post

The main problem is that the playlist is too short.

The Guardian - Tech

The main problem is that Chapman is no stylist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the main problem is that" to clearly and directly introduce the central issue you want to address in your writing. This helps readers quickly grasp the core of your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "the main problem is that". Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "a key issue is", or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main problem is that" functions as a declarative phrase used to introduce and identify a primary issue or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and common construction in English. Examples show it across diverse contexts, highlighting its versatility in framing challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main problem is that" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase used to clearly introduce a central issue or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common construction across various registers, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While highly useful, it's important to vary sentence structure and consider alternative phrases to avoid overuse. Remember to focus on clarity and directness when using this phrase to ensure your message is easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the principal problem is that

Replaces 'main' with 'principal', emphasizing the issue's significance.

the primary concern is that

Substitutes 'problem' with 'concern', focusing on the worrying aspect of the issue.

the core issue is that

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the problem by using 'core'.

the central difficulty is that

Replaces 'problem' with 'difficulty', highlighting the challenge involved.

the key challenge is that

Focuses on the aspect of the problem that requires significant effort to overcome.

the chief obstacle is that

Highlights the impediment aspect, framing the problem as something blocking progress.

the biggest issue is that

Uses 'biggest' to indicate the problem's magnitude or impact.

the fundamental flaw is that

Identifies an inherent weakness or defect as the primary problem.

the underlying reason is that

Shifts focus to the cause or explanation of the problem.

what it boils down to is that

Offers a simplified, direct way to present the main problem, often after a longer explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "the main problem is that" to introduce the central difficulty or obstacle related to a specific situation. For example: "The main problem is that the budget is too limited to cover all the necessary expenses."

What are some alternatives to "the main problem is that"?

You can use alternatives like "the principal problem is that", "the core issue is that", or "the key challenge is that" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "the main problem is that" and "the main issue is that"?

While both phrases are similar, "the main problem is that" generally refers to a difficulty or obstacle, whereas "the main issue is that" can refer to a broader topic or point of contention. They are often interchangeable, but consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate phrase.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the main problem is that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the main problem is that". It is a common and accepted way to introduce the central issue or difficulty being discussed.