the source of the problem is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the source of the problem is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when identifying or discussing the origin or cause of an issue or difficulty. Example: "After thorough investigation, we concluded that the source of the problem is a lack of communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But 37 years after independence, the source of the problem is not so clear.

The New York Times

"Just listen to the quality of debate in this country about what the source of the problem is," Fukuyama continues.

The Guardian

Until the source of the problem is addressed, obesity will continue to ravage the rest of the child.

The New York Times

THERE are plenty of people singling out causes for the collapse of the financial markets, and conveniently, the source of the problem is usually someone else.

The New York Times

The source of the problem is Congress, which has slashed the agency's budget by almost 30percentt since the 1980's.

The New York Times

If you're looking for the root cause of anything annoying, silly or spurious in the culture of art in 21stcentury Britain the source of the problem is never hard to locate.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The source of the problem was the service box".

The New York Times

His assertion that "the source of the problem [is] Mexico's statist economy" is incorrect.

Forbes

But the source of the problem... was the Dalai Lama.

The Guardian

Executives said the source of the problem had been fixed.

The New York Times

The source of the problem turns out to be the parents' constant bickering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the source of the problem is", ensure that what follows clearly and directly identifies the cause or origin of the issue you are discussing. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "the source of the problem is" followed by a vague statement. Always provide a specific and identifiable cause rather than a general description of the symptoms or effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the source of the problem is" functions as a subject complement. It identifies and defines the subject of a sentence, pinpointing the origin or cause of a particular difficulty. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct and readily understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the source of the problem is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for identifying the root cause of an issue. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples demonstrates its wide applicability across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research and general explanations. While maintaining a neutral to professional tone, this phrase effectively directs attention to the origin of the difficulty, facilitating clarity and understanding. Remember to be precise when using the phrase, ensuring that what follows clearly identifies the cause and avoids vague or general statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the origin of the issue is

Replaces 'source of the problem' with 'origin of the issue', focusing on the starting point of the difficulty.

the root cause of the difficulty is

Substitutes 'source' with 'root cause', emphasizing the fundamental reason behind the challenge.

the underlying reason for the issue is

Replaces 'source' with 'underlying reason', highlighting a less obvious cause.

the primary driver of the issue is

Replaces 'source' with 'primary driver', shifting the focus to the main factor propelling the problem.

the key factor contributing to the problem is

Substitutes 'source' with 'key factor', pinpointing a significant element that adds to the difficulty.

the heart of the matter is

Replaces the entire phrase with a more idiomatic expression meaning the central point or core of the problem.

the crux of the problem is

Similar to 'heart of the matter', this phrase emphasizes the most crucial part of the difficulty.

the main culprit is

Uses 'culprit' to suggest someone or something is to blame for the problem.

the real reason is

Highlights that what follows is the actual explanation for the issue at hand.

the bottom line is

Introduces a concise summary of what is fundamentally causing the problem.

FAQs

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

Use "the source of the problem is" to clearly identify the origin or cause of a specific issue. For example, "The source of the problem is "lack of communication" between departments."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "the origin of the issue is", "the root cause of the difficulty is", or "the underlying reason for the issue is".

Is it better to say "the source of the problem is" or "the problem is caused by"?

Both phrases are correct, but "the source of the problem is" directly identifies the origin, while "the problem is caused by" focuses on the effect. The best choice depends on the context and emphasis you want to convey.

Can "the source of the problem is" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "the source of the problem is" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more informal settings, you might prefer simpler phrasing like "the reason is".