the problem is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the problem is that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a problem or difficulty in a sentence. For example, "The problem is that I can't seem to find the right solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The problem is that bad".

The New York Times - Health

"The problem is, that cannot be sustained.

The New York Times

The problem is that pentane is flammable.

Stanford University

"The problem is that demand is weak".

The New York Times

"The problem is that subcontractors keep changing.

The Guardian

"The problem is that perception is reality".

The New York Times

The problem is that rail has shriveled.

The New York Times

The problem is that science needs proof.

The Guardian

The problem is that seculosity doesn't work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The problem was that Australia scored five.

BBC

The problem was that didn't happen.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the problem is that" to clearly introduce a specific issue or obstacle. Be concise and follow it with a direct statement of the problem.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "the problem is that". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement. For example, use phrases like "a key challenge is", "an issue to consider is", or "the difficulty lies in" to diversify your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem is that" functions as a sentence introducer, specifically designed to highlight and introduce a difficulty, challenge, or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness. Examples show it used across various domains to clearly state a problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the problem is that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce a problem or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, academic, and formal writing, making it suitable for various contexts. While effective, it’s important to vary sentence structure to avoid redundancy. Consider using alternatives like "the challenge is" or "the difficulty lies in" for stylistic diversity. Overall, it's a reliable way to highlight issues in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the challenge is

Emphasizes the difficulty as a task or obstacle to overcome.

the main concern is

Indicates the primary worry or source of anxiety.

the difficulty lies in

Focuses on the location of the problem rather than a direct statement.

a significant obstacle is

Stresses the size and importance of the impediment.

the downside is

Points out the negative aspect of a situation.

the issue at hand is

Highlights the specific subject or point of contention.

the limitation is

Focuses on a restriction or boundary.

what complicates matters is

Highlights the element that makes the situation more intricate.

the real snag is

Uses a more informal term to denote a hidden or unexpected problem.

the catch is

Suggests a hidden condition or disadvantage.

FAQs

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

Use "the problem is that" to introduce a specific issue or difficulty you are about to explain. For example, "The problem is that the budget is too low to complete the project effectively."

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

You can use alternatives like "the challenge is", "the difficulty lies in", or "the main concern is" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing. It's a standard way to introduce a problem or issue.

What's the difference between "the problem is that" and "the issue is that"?

Both phrases are very similar and can often be used interchangeably. "The problem is that" tends to emphasize a difficulty, while "the issue is that" can refer to a topic or point of discussion.