Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

there's a problem
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(4)

something is wrong

a difficulty has arisen

an issue exists

there is something wrong

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If there's a problem, let's discuss it".

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

There's a problem, however.

News & Media

The New Yorker

However, there's a problem.

News & Media

The New Yorker

But there's a problem.

News & Media

The New York Times

"There's a problem," I said.

News & Media

The New Yorker

There's a problem with narratives.

News & Media

Independent

There's a problem with faces.

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

Already there's a problem.

News & Media

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"When there's a problem, he sulks.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"If there's a problem, we talk.

News & Media

The Economist

And maybe there's a problem there.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there's a problem" to introduce a specific issue that needs attention or resolution. Be clear about what the problem is and why it matters.

Common error

Avoid using "there's a problem" without providing context or details. Vague statements can create confusion and hinder effective problem-solving. Always follow up with specifics.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there's a problem" functions as an existential statement introducing a difficulty or challenge. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It serves to signal the presence of an issue that requires attention or resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

Less common in

Academia

Wiki

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there's a problem" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an issue needing attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely accepted and used across different contexts, mainly in news and media. For effective communication, follow up with specific details about the issue instead of leaving it open. When looking for alternative phrasings, consider "we have an issue" or "something isn't right", but keep in mind that "there's a problem" generally indicate a more significant difficulty.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have an issue

This is a slightly less direct way of saying there's a problem, often used in professional settings.

there's an obstacle

Focuses on the aspect of hindrance that the problem represents.

there's a challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty of overcoming the problem.

an issue exists

This alternative provides a more formal way of stating that a problem is present.

a difficulty has arisen

This phrase uses more formal language to convey that a problem has occurred.

we're facing an obstacle

This suggests that a problem is preventing progress or success.

something isn't right

This is a more vague way of saying there's a problem, implying something is amiss.

we've hit a snag

This implies a sudden unexpected problem that needs to be handled.

a snag has occurred

Implies a sudden, unexpected problem that has caused a delay or complication.

an impediment exists

This is a more formal way of stating that something is blocking progress.

FAQs

How can I use "there's a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "there's a problem" to introduce a specific issue or difficulty, such as "There's a problem with the server, and users can't access the website." or "There's a problem with the budget, we are overspending".

What are some alternatives to "there's a problem"?

Alternatives include "we have an issue", "something is wrong", or "a difficulty has arisen", depending on the context and formality.

Is it better to say "there's a problem" or "there is a problem"?

"There's a problem" is a contraction of "there is a problem" and is generally more common in informal contexts. Both are grammatically correct, but "there's" is often preferred in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "there's a problem" and "there's an issue"?

While similar, "problem" often implies something more serious or difficult to resolve than "issue". You might use "there's a problem" for a significant malfunction or error, while "there's an issue" might be used for a minor concern or question.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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there's a problemGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

there's a problem
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples