the primary problem is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the primary problem is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce the main issue or challenge being discussed in a particular context. Example: "In our analysis of the project, the primary problem is the lack of adequate funding, which has hindered progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The primary problem is not the greed of a giant oligarchy.

The New York Times

Dr. Wasser said that the primary problem is the presence of high-use roads in flat open areas.

The New York Times - Science

There are a number of reasons for the shortage of substitutes, but the primary problem is that substitutes are woefully underpaid.

The New York Times

The primary problem is that eagles eat fish and marine wildlife contaminated by the DDT, which thins eggshells and interferes with reproduction.

The New York Times

While truancy — unexcused absences — and illness play a part, the researchers said the primary problem is absences that are optional but excused with a parent's permission.

The New York Times

The primary problem is payroll disparity, Selig said -- the disparity that has the Yankees with a payroll for luxury tax tracking of $108,684,786 and the Minnesota Twins $17,848,136.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

In 2009, the primary problem was slumping economies in the United States and Western Europe.

The New York Times

But by talking with parents, Dr. Axelrod came to see that the primary problem wasn't the lungs; it was faulty swallowing that sent liquid into the lungs instead of the stomach, causing pneumonia.

The New York Times

Ahmed Soliman, a researcher at London's Chatham House, said repeated mistakes had been made over the years but the primary problem was that politicians had seen South Sudan "as a fiefdom".

The Guardian

Based on the N.I.H. pathologist's review of all the biopsy reports and slides submitted as part of Stiers's case history, Gahl said he suspected the primary problem was in her basement membranes.

The New York Times - Magazine

The primary problem was faced while assessing the impact of supercritical water properties on the transformation of organic matter of lignite.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the primary problem is", ensure you clearly define the problem and its scope to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about the factors contributing to the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "the primary problem is" when the issue is not truly the most significant one. Ensure other contributing factors are acknowledged to provide a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the primary problem is" serves as an identifying expression, pinpointing the most significant issue among potentially numerous concerns. It is frequently employed to introduce the central challenge or obstacle within a given context, aligning with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

54%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the primary problem is" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for identifying the most significant issue in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for neutral to formal communication, especially in news, science, and business settings. While alternatives like "the main issue is" or "the key problem is" can provide stylistic variations, using the phrase effectively involves clearly defining the problem and avoiding overstatement to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main issue is

Replaces "primary" with "main", offering a slightly less formal tone.

the central issue is

Substitutes "primary" with "central", emphasizing the core concern.

the key problem is

Uses "key" instead of "primary", highlighting the most important problem.

the biggest challenge is

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

the fundamental issue is

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the problem.

the core difficulty is

Uses "difficulty" to replace "problem", softening the negative connotation.

the root cause is

Focuses on the origin of the problem, suggesting a deeper analysis.

the underlying problem is

Highlights a problem that may not be immediately obvious.

the major obstacle is

Replaces "problem" with "obstacle", suggesting something hindering progress.

the overriding concern is

Emphasizes that the concern is more important than anything else.

FAQs

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

Use "the primary problem is" to introduce the main issue or challenge being discussed. For example, "The primary problem is the lack of adequate funding".

What can I say instead of "the primary problem is"?

You can use alternatives like "the main issue is", "the key problem is", or "the biggest challenge is" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "the primary problem is" and "the secondary problem is"?

"The primary problem is" refers to the main or most important issue, while "the secondary problem is" indicates a less significant, often consequential, issue.

Is it redundant to say "the primary problem is"?

While "primary" inherently suggests importance, using "the primary problem is" can provide emphasis and clarity, particularly when multiple issues are being discussed.