the problem exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem exists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that a particular issue or difficulty is present or has been identified. Example: "Despite our efforts to improve the situation, the problem exists and needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Well, the problem exists".

The New Yorker

College officials will not publicly acknowledge that the problem exists.

The New York Times

But the problem exists in Ms. Edson's play.

The New York Times

The problem exists pretty much across the board.

The New York Times

The problem exists in the granularity of address allocation.

Building Cisco Remote Access Networks

But one reason the problem exists is that alien plants can be so darned pretty.

The New York Times

Beesay "The problem exists, and it's simply stupid to hide your head in the sand.

The New York Times

They say the first way to treat a problem is to admit the problem exists.

The Guardian

I would argue the problem exists throughout all media, making significant breakthrough extremely difficult.

The Guardian - Opinion

The important point for the buyer is to know that the problem exists.

The New York Times

I go back in time and try to find out the reason why the problem exists.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the problem exists", ensure that the context clearly defines the problem to avoid ambiguity. It's often beneficial to briefly restate or reference the problem being discussed for clarity.

Common error

While acceptable, "the problem exists" can sometimes sound repetitive in formal writing. Consider using synonyms like "the issue is present" or "a challenge is apparent" to add variety and sophistication to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem exists" serves as a declarative statement asserting the presence of an issue or difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase. It's used to acknowledge that something is not as it should be, setting the stage for further discussion or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the problem exists" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to acknowledge the presence of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While highly frequent and generally neutral in tone, writers should consider synonyms to avoid repetition, especially in formal settings. Recognizing the issue is a good start but it can sound better with alternatives like "the issue is present" or "a challenge is real". As the examples from Ludwig demonstrate, it’s essential to clearly define the problem when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is a problem

A more direct and simple way of stating the existence of a problem.

the issue is present

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and uses "is present" instead of "exists" for a slightly different phrasing.

a problem is apparent

Substitutes "exists" with "is apparent", highlighting the obvious nature of the problem.

the challenge is real

Uses "challenge" instead of "problem" and "is real" instead of "exists", framing it as a difficulty to overcome.

an issue has arisen

Replaces "the problem" with "an issue" and uses "has arisen" to indicate that the problem has recently emerged.

the difficulty is evident

Similar to "a problem is apparent", but uses "difficulty" for "problem" and "evident" instead of "apparent".

the situation is problematic

This is a variation that used the term 'problematic' which means constituting or presenting a problem.

the matter persists

Frames the problem as something that continues to exist or recur.

a concern is at hand

This alternative uses the term 'concern' which indicates a feeling of worry or concern. Also it uses the term 'at hand' to indicate immediacy.

the snag remains

This alternative uses the word 'snag' which indicates that there is a difficulty that is stopping something from being achieved. It also used the word 'remains' which communicates that the problem continues.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the problem exists" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "the issue is present", "a challenge is real", or "the difficulty is evident".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state that "the problem exists"?

No, sometimes the existence of a problem is implied through the context. However, explicitly stating it can provide clarity and emphasis, especially when introducing a discussion about potential solutions.

What's the difference between saying "the problem exists" and "there is a problem"?

While similar, "the problem exists" often implies a more established or recognized problem, whereas "there is a problem" can indicate a newly discovered or more general issue.

When is it appropriate to use "the problem exists" in academic writing?

It's appropriate when you need to clearly acknowledge an existing issue that your research aims to address or analyze. It helps frame the significance and relevance of your work.