the root of the problem is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the root of the problem is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to identify the fundamental cause of an issue or situation. Example: "After analyzing the situation, we concluded that the root of the problem is a lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The root of the problem is structural.

The Economist

The root of the problem is money.

The New York Times

The root of the problem is easy to understand.

The New Yorker

As usual, the root of the problem is envy.

The New Yorker

The root of the problem is not willpower but neuroscience.

The New York Times

But the root of the problem is structural.

The Economist

But maybe the root of the problem is also cultural.

The New York Times

The root of the problem is mandatory celibacy.

The New York Times

The root of the problem is that no one understands why we are conscious.

The New Yorker

"The root of the problem is that the states are in financial trouble," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Science is telling us that the root of the problem is external, so that is where we should be focused.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "the root of the problem is" with a concise explanation or evidence supporting your claim.

Common error

Avoid mistaking symptoms for the root cause. While addressing immediate symptoms can provide temporary relief, it's crucial to dig deeper and identify the underlying issue to implement sustainable solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the root of the problem is" functions as a declarative statement used to introduce the fundamental cause or origin of a particular issue. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase pinpoints the core reason behind a challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the root of the problem is" serves as a powerful tool to identify the fundamental cause of various issues across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in writing. It appears often in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, and less so in Encyclopedias. To enhance clarity, follow "the root of the problem is" with a concise explanation or evidence supporting your claim. When writing, avoid mistaking symptoms for the root cause and dig deeper to identify the underlying issue to implement sustainable solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the underlying issue is

Focuses on the concealed or less obvious cause.

the core issue is

Highlights the most central and important problem.

the fundamental cause is

Emphasizes the basic and essential reason behind the problem.

the primary reason is

Identifies the main cause among potentially multiple factors.

the main problem stems from

Indicates the origin or source from which the problem arises.

the heart of the matter is

Draws attention to the most crucial aspect of the situation.

the crux of the problem is

Emphasizes the most decisive or critical point of difficulty.

the real reason is

Focuses on uncovering the authentic or genuine cause.

the source of the trouble is

Highlights the origin or starting point of the difficulties.

the key factor is

Identifies the most influential element contributing to the problem.

FAQs

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

Use "the root of the problem is" to introduce the fundamental cause of a situation. For example, "The company's declining sales can be attributed to poor marketing, but "the root of the problem is" ineffective product development".

What are some alternatives to saying "the root of the problem is"?

You can use alternatives such as "the core issue is", "the underlying issue is", or "the fundamental cause is" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "the cause of the problem is" or "the root of the problem is"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "the root of the problem is" suggests a more profound or fundamental cause, while "the cause of the problem is" is a more general statement of causality.

When should I use "the root of the problem is" instead of "a symptom of the problem is"?

Use "the root of the problem is" when identifying the fundamental, underlying cause. Use "a symptom of the problem is" when describing an observable effect or manifestation of a deeper issue.