what is the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "What is the problem?" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to identify a problem. For example, "What is the problem with this engine?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

What is the problem?

The New York Times

What is the problem, exactly?

The New York Times

So what is the problem here?

The New Yorker

And what is the problem in America?

The New York Times - Magazine

HITLER: So what is the problem?

The New Yorker

Then what is the problem?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Then what's the problem?

The New Yorker

So what was the problem?

The New Yorker

"What's the problem?

The Washington Post

What was the problem? A. Money.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic papers, follow "What is the problem?" with a clear explanation of the issue being addressed to ensure clarity and focus.

Common error

Avoid starting every paragraph or section with "What is the problem?". Instead, vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "What is the problem?" functions as an interrogative expression. It is used to solicit information about a difficulty, obstacle, or undesirable situation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its application in a wide array of contexts, from personal dilemmas to complex societal issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "What is the problem?" serves as a direct inquiry into the nature of an existing issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, consider the register and adjust phrasing in more formal settings. Alternative phrases, like "what's the issue" or "what's the matter", can offer a more nuanced approach depending on the specific situation. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can use this phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What's the issue?

Uses "issue" as a synonym for "problem", maintaining a similar level of formality.

What's the matter?

Replaces "problem" with a more general term, "matter", focusing on something being wrong.

What's not working?

Focuses on what is malfunctioning or ineffective.

What's going on?

Focuses on the unfolding situation rather than the specific issue.

What seems to be the trouble?

More formal and polite way of asking about the problem.

What difficulties are you experiencing?

A more formal and empathetic way of inquiring about someone's problems.

Is there anything wrong?

Asks if there is an issue without directly mentioning a problem.

Where's the sticking point?

Identifies the specific point of disagreement or obstacle.

What's the snag?

Uses a less formal term, "snag", for a minor problem or difficulty.

What's the hitch?

Similar to "snag", suggesting a small, unexpected problem.

FAQs

How can I use "What is the problem?" in a sentence?

Use "What is the problem?" to directly inquire about an issue. For instance, "The computer won't turn on. What is the problem?"

Are there alternative ways to ask "What is the problem?"

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "what's the issue", "what's the matter", or "what's going on" depending on the context.

Is "What is the problem?" suitable for formal writing?

"What is the problem?" is generally acceptable, but for very formal contexts, consider using "what seems to be the trouble" for a more polite tone.

What's the difference between "What is the problem?" and "What are the problems?"

"What is the problem?" refers to a single, specific issue, while "What are the problems?" implies there are multiple issues to address.