to hit a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to hit a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the experience of encountering an issue or obstacle while working on a task or project. Example: "While working on the software update, we hit a problem that delayed our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

COMPUTING is about to hit a problem.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Starting in 2002 it began to hit a variety of problems.

The New York Times

"Coventry's hit a problem and it seems no-one's come to their help.

BBC

Zhana Vrangalova had hit a problem.

The New Yorker

"As an actuary I never hit a problem anywhere near as complex as the school problem".

The New York Times

If they do hit a problem, they need that extra support".

The Guardian

"Lots of retailers have begun international expansion, hit a problem, then retreated and lost market share," he says.

The Economist

The latest problems to hit an already troubled sector would further diminish appetite in the local financial market for bonds issued by credit card providers.

The New York Times

Here the marriage between language and genetics hits a problem.

The Economist

"Every year we seem to hit this problem that another team is up there with us.

The Guardian - Sport

"When any company grows, you're going to hit problems," he explains.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to hit a problem", ensure it's followed by a clear description of the problem encountered for clarity. Avoid vague references.

Common error

While "to hit a problem" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "encounter an obstacle" or "face a challenge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to hit a problem" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the encountering of a difficulty. As Ludwig highlights, it's a common way to describe facing an obstacle.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to hit a problem" is a common and generally correct way to describe encountering a difficulty, as validated by Ludwig. While widely used in contexts like news and media, it's important to consider the register of your writing. For formal or academic settings, more precise alternatives such as "encounter an obstacle" or "face a challenge" may be more appropriate. Ludwig AI affirms that this phrase is acceptable, but understanding its nuances ensures effective and context-sensitive communication. Remember to be specific when describing the problem encountered to provide clarity. "To hit a problem" serves to report an obstacle and is often followed by further details on the issue and its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Encounter an obstacle

Replaces "hit" with "encounter", focusing on the initial experience of facing a problem.

Run into difficulty

Substitutes both "hit" and "problem" with synonyms, offering a more general description of facing trouble.

Face a setback

Replaces "problem" with "setback", emphasizing the hindrance or delay caused.

Experience an issue

Uses "experience" in place of "hit" and "issue" instead of "problem", providing a less forceful description of a difficulty.

Confront a challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing the situation as something to be overcome.

Meet with adversity

Replaces "hit a problem" with a more literary expression, indicating the presence of unfavorable circumstances.

Stumble upon a snag

Uses "stumble upon" and "snag" to suggest an unexpected and minor difficulty.

Find oneself in a bind

Indicates being in a restrictive or difficult situation as a result of the problem.

Get bogged down

Implies being slowed or stopped by the problem, focusing on the impact on progress.

Come up against a barrier

Replaces "problem" with "barrier", emphasizing the obstructive nature of the difficulty.

FAQs

What does "to hit a problem" mean?

The phrase "to hit a problem" means to encounter or experience a difficulty or obstacle while working on something.

What can I say instead of "to hit a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "encounter an obstacle", "run into difficulty", or "face a setback" depending on the context.

Is "to hit a problem" formal or informal?

"To hit a problem" is generally considered neutral in formality but may be perceived as slightly informal in certain contexts. More formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or business writing.

How do I use "to hit a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "to hit a problem" in a sentence like: "While developing the new software, we hit a problem with the database connection." Ensure that the context clearly indicates what the problem is and how it affects the situation.