the problem lingers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem lingers" is correct and usable in written English.
It means that the problem is still ongoing or remaining. You can use this phrase in various contexts, such as discussing a persistent issue or unresolved conflict. Example: Despite our best efforts, the problem lingers and continues to affect our team's productivity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When the problem lingers, a lawsuit follows.

The New York Times

The problem lingers that there is a huge disconnect between what Benioff and Weiss say and what they do.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For how effective the United States can be in sowing goodwill through its assistance, the problem lingers.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Williams, the No. 1 pick in last year's draft, said it was mostly a precaution and that he was not worried about the problem lingering.

The New York Times

"From our inspections, we've found that there's a problem with leaking light ballasts, and I'd be concerned with the problem lingering for a long period of time".

The New York Times - Science

I probably came back from that injury too soon, forced things and the problem lingered longer than it should have done.

BBC

The problems linger".

The Guardian

Zito had hoped to have the horse ready for the Preakness or the Belmont, but the foot problem lingered.

The New York Times - Sports

But for every gain, a problem lingers.

The New York Times

If the problems linger until late February, Gruber thinks we will reach DefCon 2. The law requires everyone to have health insurance by March 31 , 2014 or face a penalty.

The New Yorker

Midtown is the "toughest to police," especially south of Broadway, with a crack problem lingering from the drug epidemic of the 1980s, Police Chief Gerald Keller said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the problem lingers" to emphasize the ongoing nature of an issue, especially when previous attempts at resolution have been unsuccessful. It conveys a sense of frustration or unresolved tension.

Common error

Avoid using "the problem lingers" in situations where the problem is minor or easily resolved. Overusing it can create an unnecessarily dramatic tone. Opt for more neutral phrasing when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem lingers" functions as a statement asserting the continuation of an issue. It combines a noun phrase ("the problem") with a verb ("lingers") to express a state of persistence. Ludwig AI identifies its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the problem lingers" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a persistent issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, with only a few examples found, it appears primarily in news and media contexts and conveys a sense of frustration regarding unresolved difficulties. Alternative phrases such as "the issue persists" or "the challenge remains" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, it's crucial to consider the tone and avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the issue persists

Focuses on the continuous existence of the issue, emphasizing its stubbornness.

the matter remains unresolved

Highlights the lack of resolution, suggesting that the problem is still open for discussion or action.

the difficulty continues

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the challenge or obstacle.

the trouble endures

Implies a long-lasting problem that has withstood challenges or time.

the challenge remains

Highlights that even if progress has been made, the core challenge still exists.

the situation drags on

Indicates a prolonged and possibly unwelcome continuation of a problem.

the predicament carries on

Suggests that a difficult or unpleasant situation is still in effect.

the snag persists

Highlights the enduring nature of an obstacle or minor difficulty.

the hitch remains

Similar to 'snag persists', this indicates a small but persistent problem.

the complication continues

Underscores the fact that a situation is still complex and not easily resolved.

FAQs

What does "the problem lingers" mean?

It means that a problem is still present or ongoing, often after attempts to resolve it have been made.

How can I use "the problem lingers" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where an issue persists despite efforts to fix it, for example, "Despite the new policies, "the problem lingers" and continues to affect productivity."

What are some alternatives to "the problem lingers"?

Alternatives include "the issue persists", "the challenge remains", or "the matter remains unresolved" depending on the specific context.

Is "the problem lingers" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to slightly formal and suitable for news articles, reports, and professional communication. More informal alternatives might be appropriate for casual conversations.