this is a persistent problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a persistent problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an issue that continues to occur over time and has not been resolved. Example: "Despite our efforts to address the situation, this is a persistent problem that requires further attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

During the spring and fall, we use a goose-poop removal machine, but this is a persistent problem".

The New York Times

In places such as Colorado, which has legalized both medical and recreational marijuana, this is a persistent problem for legalization advocates.

The Washington Post

"This is a persistent problem," said Susan Regan, an instructor in the department of medicine at Harvard's medical school and an author of the new study.

The New York Times

The clear plastic CD that tops off most CD bundles of 25 or more is a great tool to keep if this is a persistent problem.

WikiHow

19 27 42 This is a persistent problem that dates back to the late 1980s when Wilson and Pendleton 44 first defined the term 'oligoanalgesia'oligoanalgesia

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This was a persistent problem and the Navy finally decided to move the ships down to New Orleans in May 1866.

Wikipedia

This side effect is a persistent problem with many of the drugs currently used to treat patients with autoimmune disorders: lifelong treatment regimens with broad immunosuppressants are vital to manage disease but cause patients to be immunocompromised.

AAPS Journal

This cycle of debt is a persistent problem, often blamed for periodic spates of farmer suicides, while the high illiteracy rate in the countryside makes it hard for farmers to switch to jobs in India's services sector.

The New York Times

"Almost every retailer would see a significant benefit (in profit, efficiency and speed of service) with purpose-built processes and flawless communication". "If this type of bottleneck is a persistent problem, I'd submit that the store format itself should be reconceived, beginning with the proportion of backroom versus selling space," said James Tenser, principal at VSN Strategies.

Forbes

When public funds are used to train specialists who then shift to the private sector (potentially to treat medical tourists), redistributive government regulations like paying a fee to leave the public sector (Thailand) may plug a short term financial resource gap, but recruitment and retention is a persistent problem in this region.

Globalization and Health

This study highlights why vaccine-induced positivity for the HBsAg test is a persistent problem that is difficult to eliminate.

BMC Clinical Pathology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide context or examples when stating "this is a persistent problem" to illustrate the impact and scope of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "this is a persistent problem" without specifying what the problem is. Ensure clarity by providing context and details to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a persistent problem" functions as a statement of fact, identifying an ongoing issue. It serves to highlight the existence of a recurring difficulty, as supported by Ludwig's examples, which cover diverse domains from goose management to medical challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a persistent problem" is a commonly used phrase to acknowledge and highlight an ongoing issue. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While it can be used across different registers, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly identify the problem to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "this is an ongoing issue" or "this is a recurring issue" can be used to provide slight variations in emphasis. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is a straightforward and effective way to communicate the presence of a continuing challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is an ongoing issue

Replaces "persistent problem" with "ongoing issue", emphasizing the continuous nature of the problem.

this is a recurring issue

Substitutes "persistent" with "recurring", highlighting the repetitive nature of the problem.

this is a chronic problem

Replaces "persistent" with "chronic", suggesting the problem is long-lasting and difficult to eradicate.

this is a continuing challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing the issue as something that needs to be overcome.

this is an enduring difficulty

Uses "enduring difficulty" instead of "persistent problem", stressing the lasting nature of the difficulty.

this is a long-standing issue

Emphasizes the duration of the issue by using "long-standing" instead of "persistent".

this remains a constant struggle

Highlights the continuous effort required to deal with the problem, changing "problem" to "struggle".

this is a frequent concern

Replaces "persistent problem" with "frequent concern", softening the negative connotation and focusing on worry.

the issue persists

A more concise way of saying the same thing, focusing on the verb "persists".

the problem remains unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution, highlighting that the problem is still present.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is a persistent problem"?

You can use alternatives like "this is an ongoing issue", "this is a recurring issue", or "this is a chronic problem" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "this is a persistent problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "this is a persistent problem" is suitable for formal writing, as it clearly and directly communicates an ongoing issue. However, consider the specific tone and audience; alternatives like "this is a long-standing issue" might be more appropriate in some contexts.

What does "this is a persistent problem" mean?

It means that a particular issue or difficulty continues to occur or exist over a period of time and has not been successfully resolved.

What's the difference between "this is a persistent problem" and "this is a temporary setback"?

"This is a persistent problem" implies a long-lasting, unresolved issue, while "this is a temporary setback" suggests a short-term obstacle that is expected to be resolved soon.