the problem of how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem of how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a specific problem, but you are either unsure of how to solve it or you are not sure what the solution is. For example, "The problem of how to reduce our company's emissions has yet to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem of how to address a woman's college properly.

The New Yorker

Then there is the problem of how to charge.

The Guardian

The problem of how to propagate point probabilities in a Bayesian network now is transformed into the problem of how to propagate Dirichlet distributions in Bayesian networks.

Artificial Intelligence

Burt begins from the problem of how to resolve conflict in an open society.

The New York Times - Books

His Indian expedition temporarily solved the problem of how to make his empire financially viable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The problem of how we introduce gender stereotyping for our children starts incredibly early.

Independent

A naval… The problem of how to address a woman's college properly.

The New Yorker

They were both intrigued by the problem of how to get pictures of themselves riding waves.

The New Yorker

Bosnia's leaders agreed to fix the problem of how to accommodate "others".

The Economist

They're also interested in the problem of how things change over time.

The New Yorker

But the problem of how to be noticed by his superiors survives this fantasy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the problem of how", ensure that the context clearly defines what the 'how' refers to, providing specific details about the process, method, or solution being discussed. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the problem of how" in overly broad or vague contexts. Instead of saying "the problem of how to improve society", specify a particular aspect, such as "the problem of how to reduce income inequality" to make your statement more actionable and focused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem of how" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a specific issue or challenge related to a method, process, or solution. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the problem of how" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a specific challenge related to methods or solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Its frequency and usage in news, scientific, and academic sources highlight its versatility in both formal and neutral registers. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the context of 'how' to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "the issue of how" or "the challenge of how" to subtly adjust the tone. Finally, avoid using it in overly simplistic situations where the problem is not genuinely complex.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the issue of how

Replaces "problem" with "issue", indicating a matter of concern or debate rather than a specific difficulty.

the challenge of how

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", emphasizing the difficulty and effort required to find a solution.

the question of how

Replaces "problem" with "question", focusing on the inquiry or uncertainty surrounding a particular process.

the difficulty of how

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty", highlighting the obstacles involved in achieving a specific outcome.

the task of how

Substitutes "problem" with "task", emphasizing the work or effort needed to address a situation.

the conundrum of how

Replaces "problem" with "conundrum", suggesting a puzzling or complex issue.

the puzzle of how

Substitutes "problem" with "puzzle", implying a need for careful thought and investigation to understand or resolve something.

how to address the problem

Inverts the structure to focus on the method of addressing a problem, rather than framing it as a problem itself.

the matter of how

Replaces "problem" with "matter", suggesting a situation that requires attention or consideration.

figuring out how

Expresses the action of finding a solution, rather than the problem itself. It is more informal.

FAQs

How can I use "the problem of how" in a sentence?

You can use "the problem of how" to introduce a challenge or difficulty in achieving a specific goal. For example, "The problem of how to effectively communicate complex scientific findings to the public remains a significant hurdle."

What phrases are similar to "the problem of how"?

Alternatives include "the issue of how", "the challenge of how", or "the question of how". Each subtly shifts the emphasis, but maintains a focus on addressing a specific difficulty.

Is it more formal to use "the problem of how" or "how to solve the problem"?

"The problem of how" is generally more formal and often used in academic or professional writing. "How to solve the problem" is more direct and can be suitable for less formal contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use "the problem of how"?

Avoid using "the problem of how" when the issue is not genuinely problematic or complex. If a solution is straightforward or already known, using a more direct phrasing is preferable.