there is a growing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a growing problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an issue is becoming more significant or widespread over time. Example: "In recent years, there is a growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There is a growing problem with Islamic militancy, however.

The Guardian

Despite the variety of Whitehallinspired welfare to work schemes, there is a growing problem of worklessness.

The Guardian - Business

There is a growing problem of bandits armed with detectors raiding historical sites (often treasure hotspots) at night, and leaving areas looted and damaged.

Independent

But I believe there is a growing problem at the heart of some NGOs that, if not confronted now, will end up undermining the sector – perhaps fatally.

Independent

"There is a growing problem in New York State where the state passes laws to create programs but leaves the costs on the property tax-payers," he said.

The New York Times

But there is a growing problem of "sexting" messages in school, when pupils share personal sexual content via smartphones and tablets.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Although some of the rise could be explained by the charity opening more food banks, it was adamant there was a growing problem.

BBC

"But there are so many overlapping festivals right now, there's a growing problem in getting prints.

The New York Times

So there's a growing problem.

TechCrunch

"We don't know how successful the detection is, but clearly it does indicate there's a growing problem".

BBC

Many of the folks at NPG (and elsewhere) have felt that there's a growing problem with science education.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is a growing problem", be specific about the nature of the problem and provide context to illustrate its increasing impact. For example, instead of just saying "There is a growing problem", specify "There is a growing problem of plastic pollution in coastal areas, impacting marine life and tourism."

Common error

Avoid using "there is a growing problem" as a vague statement without providing evidence or examples. Ensure you can support the claim with data, observations, or credible sources to maintain clarity and strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a growing problem" functions as an introductory expression to identify and highlight an escalating issue. It sets the stage for further discussion or analysis of the problem at hand. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is a growing problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce an escalating issue. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. The phrase serves to highlight the increasing nature of the problem, prompting further discussion or action. While versatile, it's essential to provide specific details and evidence to substantiate the claim. The most frequent sources are The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem is escalating

Replaces the descriptive "growing" with the more active "escalating", indicating a rapid increase in severity.

the issue is becoming more prevalent

Substitutes "problem" with "issue" and uses "more prevalent" to emphasize the increasing commonness.

a rising concern exists

Inverts the sentence structure and replaces "problem" with "concern", highlighting the worry associated with the issue.

an increasing difficulty is evident

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty" and uses "evident" to stress the obviousness of the increasing trend.

the situation is deteriorating

Focuses on the negative change in a situation, implying a worsening problem.

a challenge is intensifying

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge" and uses "intensifying" to describe its increasing difficulty.

the matter is gaining traction negatively

Indicates that a negative matter is attracting increasing attention or impact.

a worrying trend is emerging

Highlights the emergence of a concerning trend, rather than a specific problem.

the crisis is deepening

Emphasizes the intensifying nature of a crisis, suggesting a more severe problem.

an urgent matter is unfolding

Replaces "problem" with "urgent matter" and uses "unfolding" to suggest a gradual revelation of a serious issue.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a growing problem" in a sentence?

You can use "there is a growing problem" to introduce a situation that is becoming more serious or widespread over time. For example: "There is a growing problem of cybercrime affecting small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "there is a growing problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a problem is escalating", "the issue is becoming more prevalent", or "a rising concern exists" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "there is a growing problem" or "there is an increasing problem"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference, though "growing" might suggest a more organic or natural increase, while "increasing" is more direct and quantifiable.

What is the difference between "there is a growing problem" and "there is a serious problem"?

"There is a growing problem" emphasizes that the issue is becoming more significant over time, while "there is a serious problem" highlights the severity of the issue at the present moment. The first focuses on progression; the second, on current impact.