the problem with which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem with which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific issue or challenge that has been previously mentioned or is known in the context. Example: "The problem with which we are currently dealing is the lack of resources for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

[96 N.J. 564] The magnitude of the problem with which we are dealing is entirely unknown.

Harvard University

It thus seems that neither version of realism satisfactorily solves the problem with which it began.

Britannica

Solvent helps clean a puzzle of molasses, which reveals the problem with which the puzzle is associated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So it might seem that the pluralist challenge, or the pluralist solution, to the dilemma of how punishment might be justified, either retributively or on consequentialist grounds, solves the problem with which we were concerned.

Yale University

Here in Haines, a ferry stop near the northern end of the Inside Passage, on the southeastern Alaska panhandle, we had finally solved the problem with which no guidebook or Web site had been able to help us.

The New York Times - Travel

These religions did not face the problem with which Christian apologists have struggled so painfully and for so long – how to reconcile the existence of an all-powerful and wholly good God with the fact of evil in the world.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Ludendorff regarded the problems with which he and his commander in chief were faced as difficult but never insoluble.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This year the University has launched a new certificate program aimed at studying precisely the problems with which Brewster has grappled in his thesis.

Princeton University

On Sept. 25, the orchestra's executive director, Edward Smith, resigned abruptly after only 10 months in his post, declaring starkly that "I don't believe the organization will be able to withstand the problems with which it is faced".

The New York Times - Arts

However, we suggest here that this is an important, and even necessary, feature of an enrichment program, as long as animals also possess the skills and resources to effectively solve the problems with which they are presented.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Part of the explanation for game theory's relatively late entry into the field lies in the problems with which economists had historically been concerned.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the problem with which", ensure that the "problem" has been clearly defined in the preceding context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple prepositional phrases when using "the problem with which". Simplify the sentence structure to enhance readability. For example, instead of "the problem with which the team was struggling in the project", consider "the problem that the team was struggling with in the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem with which" functions as a relative clause introducing additional information about a previously mentioned problem. It connects the problem to a specific context or action, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the problem with which" is a grammatically correct phrase used to provide context and elaboration on a specific problem already introduced. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, indicating a formal register. While alternatives like "the issue that" or "the challenge that" may offer more directness, "the problem with which" provides a nuanced connection between the problem and its related circumstances. When employing this phrase, ensure the "problem" is well-defined to maintain clarity and avoid overly complex sentence structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the issue that

Replaces the prepositional phrase "with which" with a simple "that" for directness.

the matter that

Substitutes "problem" for "matter", offering a broader connotation for concern.

the challenge that

Emphasizes the difficulty rather than a generic "problem".

the difficulty that

Synonymous with "challenge", highlighting the struggle involved.

the concern that

Shifts focus to worry or anxiety related to the issue.

the question that

Implies an inquiry or uncertainty regarding the topic.

the topic that

Offers a more neutral and general reference to the subject.

the subject that

Similar to "topic", providing a broader context without specific negativity.

the predicament that

Highlights a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

the obstacle that

Focuses on something that blocks progress or achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "the problem with which" in a sentence?

Use "the problem with which" to refer back to a specific issue already mentioned. For example, "The budget cuts present a significant challenge. "The problem with which" we must now contend is finding creative solutions."

What can I say instead of "the problem with which"?

You can use alternatives like "the issue that", "the matter that", or "the challenge that" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the problem with which" or "the problem that"?

While both are grammatically correct, "the problem that" is often more concise and easier to understand. "The problem with which" can sound overly formal in some contexts. If you aim for clarity and simplicity, "the problem that" is often preferable.

What's the difference between "the problem with which" and "the problem that"?

"The problem with which" includes a preposition, adding a slightly more formal tone. "The problem that" is a more direct and commonly used alternative. The choice depends on the desired level of formality.