this problem is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this problem is" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
Example: This problem is causing a lot of stress for my team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This problem is bidirectional.

The New Yorker

This problem is urgent.

Harvard Business Review

This problem is not new.

The Guardian

Not that this problem is insoluble.

The New York Times - Arts

This problem is unlikely to be overcome.

The Economist

graduate, this problem is particularly acute.

The New York Times

"This problem is our problem to solve.

The New York Times

This problem is not unique to Texas.

The New York Times

This problem is now being surmounted.

The Economist

This problem is largely unsolved.

Britannica

This problem is also considered.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this problem is" in formal writing, ensure the problem has been clearly introduced or defined earlier in the text.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "this problem is" in less formal settings; vary your sentence structure for a more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this problem is" functions as a declarative statement to introduce or emphasize a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It serves to direct attention to an existing or previously mentioned difficulty, setting the stage for discussion or resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this problem is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces or emphasizes a specific issue. According to Ludwig AI, it is a common expression. Its versatility makes it appropriate for various contexts, as supported by numerous examples across news, scientific literature, and general discussions. While acceptable in most settings, varying sentence structures in informal writing can enhance readability. The phrase functions to highlight challenges and prompt discussions towards solutions, making it a valuable tool in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the heart of the matter is

Replaces 'problem' with 'matter' and indicates the most important aspect of the problem.

the core issue is

Emphasizes that the problem is the most important aspect.

the issue at hand is

Replaces 'problem' with 'issue' and adds 'at hand' for emphasis on the current situation.

the main obstacle is

Highlights that the problem is an impediment to progress.

the difficulty lies in

Focuses on the location or source of the problem, framing it as a challenge to overcome.

the challenge consists of

Highlights the challenging aspect and specifies what the challenge involves.

the predicament involves

Emphasizes the complex and difficult nature of the situation.

the concern revolves around

Indicates that the problem is central to a particular area of interest or discussion.

the root of the trouble is

Focuses on finding the origin of the problem.

we are facing a dilemma

Highlights the feeling of uncertainty about the problem.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, you can replace "this problem is" with phrases like "the issue at hand is" or "the core issue is" to convey a more professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "this problem is" for informal writing?

For informal writing, you might use phrases like "the thing is" or "basically" to introduce a problem in a more conversational way.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this problem are"?

No, "this problem are" is grammatically incorrect. Since "problem" is a singular noun, it requires the singular verb "is". The correct phrase is "this problem is".

What's the difference between "this problem is" and "the problem is"?

"This problem is" typically refers to a specific problem that has already been mentioned or is evident in the immediate context. "The problem is" can refer to a general or hypothetical problem, or one that is about to be introduced.