the very problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a particular problem that has previously been discussed or identified. For example: "The very problem we discussed last week is still unresolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The very problem is that it's ingrained.

The Guardian - Opinion

At first she did all the talking, unwittingly acting out the very problem under discussion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Policies of this sort would exacerbate the very problem of income inequality that most needs fixing.

The New York Times

And that, they say, is the very problem that legalization would fix.

The New York Times

But some say the very problem is determining what Congress stands for today.

The New York Times

The CEO was perpetuating the very problem he sought to fix.

Harvard Business Review

But for fundamentalists and many terrorists, that is the very problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Governments caused the very problems they were supposed to solve.

The New York Times - Science

But here they encounter the very problems they have enumerated.

The New Yorker

The result is that "fixes" can aggravate the very problems they were designed to remedy.

The New York Times - Books

Firlik might soon be offering solutions to the very problems she addresses here.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very problem" to clearly and concisely refer back to a specific issue already introduced in the text. This helps maintain focus and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the very problem" when first introducing a problem. Instead, use it when referring back to an issue that has already been clearly established in the discourse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very problem" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifically emphasizing a particular problem. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and high usage. It functions to emphasize a specific issue already introduced. For best practice, ensure the problem is clearly defined before using the phrase. Avoid using it when first introducing an issue. Consider alternatives like "the core issue" or "the underlying challenge" for nuanced communication. The phrase is suitable for formal and informal writing, maintaining a neutral tone while providing emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the core issue

Focuses on the central aspect of the problem.

the underlying challenge

Emphasizes the fundamental difficulty.

the central difficulty

Highlights the main obstacle.

the root cause

Points to the origin of the problem.

the heart of the matter

Identifies the most important aspect of the problem.

the key obstacle

Emphasizes the significant impediment.

the crux of the issue

Highlights the decisive point of the problem.

the main concern

Focuses on the principal worry or anxiety.

the primary challenge

Emphasizes the foremost difficulty.

the essential question

Highlights the fundamental inquiry.

FAQs

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

Use "the very problem" to refer back to a specific issue that has already been introduced. For example, "The lack of funding is hindering our progress; this is "the very problem" we need to address."

What are some alternatives to "the very problem"?

Alternatives include "the core issue", "the underlying challenge", or "the root cause", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the very problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "the very problem" is suitable for formal writing as long as the problem being referenced has already been clearly defined. Its use provides a clear and concise way to refer back to the specific issue.

What's the difference between "the problem" and "the very problem"?

"The problem" refers to a general issue, while "the very problem" is used to emphasize a specific problem previously mentioned or known to both the writer and reader. It adds a sense of emphasis and specificity.