there is one problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"there is one problem" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to introduce a problem or issue. Example: "There is one problem with this plan: we don't have enough resources to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

THERE is one problem with Mr. Mi chels's reasoning, and he is well aware of it.

The New York Times

Of course, as Uproxx's Andrew Roberts pointed out, there is one problem with Jackson coming back.

Huffington Post

There is one problem: E-cigarettes, on their own, don't appear to be very good at saving lives.

The Washington Post

There is one problem posed by the increased focus on a writer's capacity for performance.

The Guardian - Books

There is one problem: Some job applicants are skittish about employers doing background checks on their social media profiles.

TechCrunch

There is one problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

There's one problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there's one problem.

The Washington Post

But there was one problem.

The New York Times

Except there's one problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was one problem with this plan.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is one problem" to introduce a specific issue concisely before elaborating on it. This helps to clearly signal a shift in focus to a potential complication.

Common error

While "there is one problem" is effective, avoid using it repeatedly in a short space. Vary your language to introduce different aspects of the issue, such as using "another concern" or "a further complication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is one problem" functions primarily as an announcement or introduction to a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. This expression serves to alert the reader or listener that a complication or challenge will be addressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is one problem" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to introduce a specific issue or difficulty. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an alert that a challenge will be discussed and is most frequently encountered in news and academic contexts. While versatile, varying your language, with alternatives like "there is an issue" or "a difficulty emerges", can enhance your writing. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples highlights the phrase's role in setting the stage for problem-solving and critical evaluation across various sources, solidifying its place as a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is an issue

Substitutes "problem" with "issue", presenting a matter needing attention.

there is a challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", focusing on overcoming an obstacle.

there is a difficulty

Substitutes "problem" with "difficulty", emphasizing the troublesome aspect.

there is a snag

Uses "snag" instead of "problem", suggesting a minor, unexpected obstacle.

there is a hitch

Replaces "problem" with "hitch", indicating a temporary impediment.

there is a complication

Uses "complication" for "problem", highlighting the complex nature of the difficulty.

there is a stumbling block

Replaces "problem" with "stumbling block", suggesting an impediment to progress.

a concern arises

Shifts to a more formal tone, highlighting the emergence of a worry.

a difficulty emerges

Similar to "a concern arises" but focusing on the problematic nature.

one obstacle remains

Focuses on the remaining impediment, suggesting prior challenges have been overcome.

FAQs

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

Introduce the phrase before explaining the issue, setting the stage for a potential complication or challenge. For instance, "There is one problem with our current strategy: it's not scalable".

What phrases can I use instead of "there is one problem"?

Alternatives include "there is an issue", "there is a difficulty", or "a concern arises", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there is one problem"?

Yes, "there is one problem" is grammatically correct. The subject "one problem" is singular, thus requiring the singular verb "is".

What's the difference between "there is one problem" and "there is a problem"?

While both are grammatically correct, "there is one problem" suggests that you are singling out a specific issue from potentially multiple issues. "There is a problem" is a more general statement.