this is a recurring problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a recurring problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an issue that happens repeatedly over time, often in discussions about challenges or difficulties in various contexts. Example: "Despite our efforts to address the issue, this is a recurring problem that we need to find a permanent solution for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is a recurring problem in "The Romantics".

The New York Times - Books

This is a recurring problem, said another student, William Hardnett, as are street lights with broken doors at their base.

The New York Times

Jody Powell, press secretary for President Jimmy Carter, said: "One would think now, after all these many years, starting in '72, '73, that we might have learned this is a recurring problem that we probably ought to think about dealing with on a longer-term, more thoughtful basis.

The New York Times

(This is a recurring problem in free trade economics: ideas long discarded in other areas of economics recur with alarming regularity).

Huffington Post

This is a recurring problem in free-trade economics: ideas long discarded in other areas of economics recur with puzzling regularity.

Huffington Post

Further studies are required to assess the extent to which this is a recurring problem of the ImageJ-based approach or a feature specific to our study setting.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This was a recurring problem but it became more acute when I found out from my aunt that my mother was in hospital in January 2014.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was a recurring problem in every drought, and thousands died in the twin droughts of 1965 and 1966, despite 21m tonnes of food aid.

The Economist

"This was a recurring problem during the Obama administration," Mayer, who would later work at the Federal Communications Commission under Obama and is currently a professor at Princeton University, said in an email.

Huffington Post

The selection of the optimal reference gene for the normalisation of this data is a recurring problem, and several algorithms have been developed in order to solve it.

BMC Genomics

This taxonomic ambiguity is a recurring problem under the BSC when populations are allopatric or allochronic, due to spatial or temporal separation of reproduction.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is a recurring problem", follow it with specific examples or data to support your claim and add credibility.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "this is a recurring problem" without suggesting potential solutions or next steps. Offer actionable recommendations to show initiative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a recurring problem" functions as a statement identifying a repetitive issue. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples show it used across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is a recurring problem" correctly identifies repetitive issues across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and validity in English writing. While grammatically sound and frequently used (common), its register is generally neutral, and more formal alternatives may be suitable for certain academic or professional settings. The phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki sources, and effectively highlights the need for lasting solutions to prevent repeated occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is a persistent problem

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

this is a frequent issue

Substitutes "recurring" with "frequent" and "problem" with "issue", making it slightly less formal.

this is a repeating issue

Uses "repeating" instead of "recurring", highlighting the repetitive aspect.

this is a cyclical problem

Employs "cyclical" to suggest the problem returns in cycles or intervals.

this is a chronic issue

Replaces "recurring" with "chronic", implying the problem is long-lasting and difficult to resolve.

the problem keeps coming back

Changes the structure to emphasize the return of the problem.

we keep running into this problem

Focuses on the experience of encountering the problem repeatedly.

this issue keeps resurfacing

Uses "resurfacing" to describe the problem's reappearance.

the same problem arises again and again

Lengthens the phrase to stress the repetitive nature of the problem.

this is an ongoing problem

Replaces "recurring" with "ongoing" to indicate the problem is currently in progress and continuous.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is a recurring problem" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "this is a persistent issue" or "this is a chronic problem" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "this is a recurring problem"?

Alternatives include "this is a frequent issue", "the problem keeps coming back", or "this issue keeps resurfacing", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is a recurring problem"?

It's appropriate when you need to highlight that a particular issue happens repeatedly. Use it to emphasize the need for a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.

Is "this is a recurring problem" too informal for academic writing?

While not strictly informal, "this is a recurring problem" can be made more suitable for academic writing by using stronger synonyms. Phrases like "this is a persistent problem" or "the reoccurrence of this issue" can add a more scholarly tone.