the problem has exploded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem has exploded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an issue has intensified or become much more serious than initially anticipated. Example: "Initially, we thought the issue was manageable, but now the problem has exploded, and we need to address it immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That's why the problem has exploded".

The New York Times

But in the last 20 years, the problem has exploded thanks to the spread of prenatal scans.

The Guardian

But the problem has exploded lately amid a historic surge in plastic pollution, which is forming giant oceanic "garbage patches" that are expected to continue growing for centuries.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

'The government's efforts to sweep the problem under the carpet has exploded in its face, leaving the poultry industry in tatters and the very safety of the public in jeopardy,' the Bangkok Post newspaper said in its editorial yesterday.

The Guardian

Obesity "is presented as a crisis and it's presented as this horrible problem which has exploded onto the scene," one expert said.

The New Yorker

"This is a problem that has exploded recently, in the last six months," said Parry Aftab, a lawyer at Darby & Darby in New York who specializes in Internet-related issues.

The New York Times

The problem among drug users has exploded.

Unicef

They say humans are the real problem, creating so much garbage that the gull population has exploded.

The Guardian

The political blogosphere has exploded over the past few years.

The Economist

The market has exploded.

The Economist

In the past three or four years, the scene has exploded.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the problem has exploded" to emphasize a sudden and significant worsening of a situation. It is effective when you want to convey a sense of urgency or crisis.

Common error

While impactful, using "the problem has exploded" may be too informal for academic papers or formal reports. Consider alternatives like "the issue has significantly escalated" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem has exploded" functions as a statement indicating that a particular issue has suddenly and dramatically worsened or increased in scope. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase is used to convey a sense of urgency or crisis when describing a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the problem has exploded" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the sudden and significant worsening of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While effective for conveying urgency, it may be too informal for academic or professional writing, where alternatives like "the issue has escalated" or "the situation has deteriorated" might be more appropriate. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience and the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the issue has escalated

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "exploded" with "escalated", suggesting a gradual increase in severity.

the situation has deteriorated

Substitutes "problem" with "situation" and "exploded" with "deteriorated", indicating a decline in quality or condition.

the crisis has intensified

Replaces "problem" with "crisis" and "exploded" with "intensified", highlighting a critical and urgent situation.

the matter has spiraled out of control

Replaces "problem" with "matter" and uses a more figurative expression to convey a loss of control.

the difficulty has amplified

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty" and "exploded" with "amplified", emphasizing an increase in magnitude.

the predicament has worsened

Substitutes "problem" with "predicament" and "exploded" with "worsened", suggesting a difficult or unpleasant situation that has become more severe.

the trouble has flared up

Replaces "problem" with "trouble" and "exploded" with "flared up", indicating a sudden and intense outbreak.

the challenge has magnified

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and "exploded" with "magnified", emphasizing an increase in size or importance of the issue.

the complication has surged

Substitutes "problem" with "complication" and "exploded" with "surged", suggesting a sudden and powerful increase.

the snag has ballooned

Replaces "problem" with "snag" and "exploded" with "ballooned", using a more informal term to indicate a rapid increase in size or scope.

FAQs

How can I use "the problem has exploded" in a sentence?

You can use "the problem has exploded" to describe a situation that has suddenly become much worse or more widespread. For example, "Initially, the budget shortfall was minor, but now "the problem has exploded", threatening the entire project".

What are some alternatives to "the problem has exploded"?

Alternatives include "the issue has escalated", "the situation has deteriorated", or "the crisis has intensified". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "the problem has exploded" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the problem has exploded" might be perceived as too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral or professional alternatives such as "the challenge has magnified" or "the matter has spiraled out of control".

What does it mean when someone says "the problem has exploded"?

It means that a problem has rapidly increased in severity or scope. It suggests a sudden and significant worsening of a situation, often implying a sense of urgency or crisis.