very real problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very real problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a true or pressing issue that cannot be ignored or is causing difficulty. For example: The teacher's need for additional resources is a very real problem that must be addressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is a very real problem.

The New York Times

Cleveland believed that the surplus presented a very real problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In poor countries it remains a very real problem.

The Economist

But I'm bipolar, so that's my very real problem, too".

The New York Times

There is a very real problem with these comments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Actually, it solves a very real problem: attempted extortion by the GOP.

The New York Times

Insightful blog,this is a great article which covers a very real problem.

Harvard University

This is a great article which covers a very real problem – thank you.

Harvard University

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is a very real problem that faces our public-health system today.

The New York Times

"We have got a very real problem with online abuse in this country," she said.

The Guardian - Tech

But the damage to the integrity of international criminal courts remains a very real problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very real problem" to underscore the severity and authenticity of an issue, especially when addressing concerns that might be dismissed or underestimated. Ensure context supports the emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "very real problem" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "issue" or "worry" are more appropriate. The phrase's intensity can sound unnatural if overused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very real problem" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant issue. The adjective "very real" intensifies the noun "problem", emphasizing its genuine and pressing nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very real problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize the genuineness and significance of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, media, and academic writing. When choosing a substitute, consider options like "pressing issue" or "serious challenge" to convey similar emphasis. Remember that overuse can make your language sound too emphatic in casual contexts. The phrase serves to highlight issues, prompting attention and action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious challenge

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

tangible issue

Stresses the concrete and real nature of the problem.

pressing issue

Emphasizes the urgency of the problem.

significant difficulty

Replaces "problem" with a more descriptive term indicating trouble.

genuine concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern", focusing on worry rather than difficulty.

substantial obstacle

Similar to impediment, but emphasizes the size or scale of the obstruction.

critical matter

Highlights the importance of the problem at hand.

acute crisis

Indicates a severe and immediate problem.

major impediment

Focuses on the problem as an obstruction.

veritable predicament

Replaces "problem" with a more formal and intense term indicating a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "very real problem" in a sentence?

You can use "very real problem" to emphasize that an issue is genuine and significant. For example, "Climate change is a "very real problem" that requires immediate action."

What are some alternatives to saying "very real problem"?

You can use alternatives like "pressing issue", "serious challenge", or "genuine concern" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very real problem"? Can't a problem always be assumed to be real?

While problems are generally understood to be real, "very real problem" is used for emphasis, especially when the problem's existence or severity is being questioned or downplayed. It highlights that the issue is not imaginary or trivial.

What's the difference between "very real problem" and "major challenge"?

"Very real problem" emphasizes the existence and genuineness of an issue, while "major challenge" focuses on the difficulty in overcoming it. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the reality of the situation or the difficulty it presents.