what's the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"what's the problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it in various situations, such as when trying to identify a problem or issue, when asking for clarification, or when expressing concern or frustration. Example: "I noticed you seem upset. What's the problem?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then what's the problem?

The New Yorker

"What's the problem?" Constantine asked.

The New Yorker

"What's the problem?" I replied.

Independent

"What's the problem?" Flowers asked.

The New Yorker

So what's the problem?" "Exactly!

The New Yorker

"What's the problem?" she asked.

The New York Times

Balls: What's the problem?

The Guardian

Prop Joe: What's the problem?

The Guardian

So what's the problem again?

The New York Times

I said: 'What's the problem?'.

The Guardian - Sport

"What's the problem, Jeff?" Abnesti said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what's the problem" in professional settings, be mindful of your tone. Ensure it comes across as genuinely inquisitive rather than accusatory.

Common error

Avoid using "what's the problem" with an aggressive tone, as it can sound confrontational. Frame it as a genuine inquiry to understand the situation better and find a solution, such as "Can you help me understand what's the problem here?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's the problem" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used to identify the root cause of a difficulty or concern. It seeks to uncover the underlying issue requiring attention or resolution, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what's the problem" is a very common and grammatically correct question used to identify and understand the core issue in various situations. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile enough for both informal and professional settings, though tone is crucial to avoid sounding accusatory. Related phrases, such as "what is the matter" or "what's the issue", can provide more formal or empathetic alternatives. When using this phrase, remember to be direct yet mindful of your tone to encourage open communication and effective problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What's the issue?

Focuses specifically on a particular point of contention or difficulty.

What's wrong?

More general inquiry about someone's well-being or a situation.

What's the difficulty?

Highlights the challenge or obstacle at hand.

What is the matter?

More formal and direct.

What's concerning you?

Directly addresses someone's worries or anxieties.

What seems to be the trouble?

Polite and slightly formal way to ask about a problem.

What are you worried about?

Inquires about the source of someone's anxiety.

Can you explain the problem?

Requests a detailed explanation of the issue.

What's going on?

More general question about the current situation, potentially implying something negative.

What happened?

Asks for a description of a past event that led to the current problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what's the problem" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "What is the issue?", "What seems to be the difficulty?", or "Could you please elaborate on the matter?" These options offer a more professional and respectful tone while still seeking clarification.

What's a more empathetic way to ask "what's the problem"?

To show more empathy, try asking "What's wrong?", "Is everything alright?", or "What's concerning you?" These phrases demonstrate concern for the other person's well-being.

Is there a difference between "what's the problem" and "what's the issue"?

While both phrases inquire about a difficulty, "what's the problem" is more general and can refer to any kind of trouble. "What's the issue" tends to focus on a specific point of contention or a matter requiring resolution.

How do I use "what's the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "what's the problem" in various contexts. For example: "You seem upset; what's the problem?", "The machine isn't working; what's the problem?", or "If there are no objections, then what's the problem with proceeding?"