the problem has grown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem has grown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an issue has increased in size, severity, or complexity over time. Example: "Initially, the issue was manageable, but over the past few months, the problem has grown to a point where it requires immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The problem has grown even worse today.

The New York Times

But the problem has grown bigger.

The Washington Post

The problem has grown more difficult as the complexities of economic life have increased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The scale of the problem has grown because we have unleashed a maelstrom.

The New Yorker

Data compiled by the I.R.S. shows how the problem has grown.

The New York Times

And the problem has grown more serious since the financial crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

However, several months later he found that the problem had grown worse.

The New York Times

Somewhere near the end, you read something like: "Ms. Jones said the problem had grown more acute in recent years".

The New York Times

Hard Ground grew out of O'Brien's work among homeless people in Miami in the 70s, and his realisation that since then the problem had grown exponentially.

The Guardian - Books

Dr. Antonia Trichopoulou, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Athens Medical School, said the problem had grown acute with the spread of supermarkets and, especially, convenience foods.

The New York Times

Richard N. Haass, a former top Bush State Department official who now heads the Council on Foreign Relations, said expectations that the Iraq Study Group can solve the problem have grown too high.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the problem has grown" to emphasize the increasing significance or severity of an issue over time. It helps to highlight the need for greater attention or intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "the problem has grown" as a generic statement without providing specific details about how or why the problem has increased. Provide context to make the statement meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem has grown" functions as a statement indicating that a specific issue has increased in size, scope, or severity. Ludwig shows many examples where it is used to describe worsening situations in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the problem has grown" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the increasing severity or scope of an issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, but also appearing in academic and formal business settings. The phrase's purpose is to highlight the escalation of a situation, prompting attention or action. Related phrases include "the issue has escalated" and "the situation has worsened". When using this phrase, it's important to provide context to illustrate how and why the problem has grown to avoid generic or meaningless statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the issue has escalated

Focuses on the rapid increase in intensity or seriousness of the problem.

the situation has worsened

Indicates a decline in the state of affairs, implying a negative change.

the crisis has deepened

Highlights that the problem has become more severe and complex, suggesting a critical stage.

the matter has intensified

Emphasizes a heightened level of impact and the need for immediate action.

the challenge has expanded

Highlights the broadened scope or reach of the original problem.

the predicament has amplified

Suggests that the problem's effects or influence are significantly larger.

the problem has spread

Indicates the problem is affecting more people, places, or things.

the difficulty has mounted

Emphasizes the increasing obstacles and challenges associated with the original issue.

the concern has increased

Focuses on the raised level of worry, anxiety, or fear related to the problem.

the plague has worsened

Implies the widespread and detrimental impact of the problem, similar to a disease.

FAQs

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

It means that a particular issue has increased in size, scope, intensity, or severity over a period. It implies that the situation is worse than it was initially.

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

You can use it to describe situations where an issue has become more significant over time. For example: "Initially, the budget deficit was small, but over the years, "the problem has grown" considerably."

What are some alternatives to saying "the problem has grown"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the issue has escalated", "the situation has worsened", or "the crisis has deepened", depending on the specific context.

Is "the problem has grown" formal or informal?

The phrase ""the problem has grown"" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and overall tone of your writing will determine the level of formality.