what the problem is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what the problem is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any context where you are referencing a known problem or issue. For example: "I'm not sure what the problem is, but the car won't start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's what the problem is".

The Guardian - Sport

I don't know what the problem is.

The New York Times

She's not sure what the problem is.

The New York Times

I don't see what the problem is".

The New Yorker

I understand what the problem is.

The New York Times

"We'll see what the problem is".

The New York Times - Sports

Do you know what the problem is?

The Guardian

We don't know what the problem is.

The New York Times

"We know what the problem is," he said.

The New York Times

"We feel we understand what the problem is.

The New York Times

Then publishers and writers can see what the problem is?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a question about a problem, ensure clarity by specifying the subject. For example, instead of just saying "what the problem is?", specify "what the problem with the engine is?" to provide context.

Common error

Avoid assuming you know the entirety of the problem without thorough investigation. Begin by stating, "I'm trying to understand what the problem is, could you elaborate?" to encourage a comprehensive explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what the problem is" functions primarily as a noun clause, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Examples show its use in statements and questions, both direct and indirect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what the problem is" is a versatile and widely used phrase in English that serves to inquire about or identify a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, specify the subject of the problem when possible. Related phrases like "what's the issue?" or "what seems to be the trouble?" offer alternative ways to express the same inquiry, each with slightly different nuances. Be careful to avoid assuming the entirety of the problem without further investigation. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What's the issue?

More concise and commonly used in informal settings.

What is the matter?

Focuses on the current state of something being wrong, slightly more direct.

What seems to be the trouble?

More formal and often used when offering assistance.

What's the difficulty?

Highlights the challenging aspect of the situation.

What's going on?

Broader, referring to a situation rather than a specific problem.

What's the snag?

Informal, emphasizing a small, unexpected difficulty.

What's the hitch?

Similar to "what's the snag?", but slightly more general.

What is amiss?

Formal and somewhat archaic, suggesting something is out of place.

What's the catch?

Implies a hidden problem or disadvantage.

What's eating you?

Informal, suggesting emotional distress is the root cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "what the problem is" to inquire about or identify an issue, as in "I don't understand "what the problem is" with the new software." or "Let's figure out "what the problem is" before we try to fix it."

What are some alternative ways to ask about "what the problem is"?

Instead of asking "what the problem is?", you can ask "what's the issue?", "what's the matter?", or "what seems to be the trouble?" depending on the context and your desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "what the problem is"?

The phrase "what the problem is" is generally correct and widely accepted in standard English. However, ensure that your sentence is grammatically complete and that the context is clear. For instance, avoid using it as a standalone phrase without any supporting context.

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

"What the problem is" often appears in indirect questions or statements, such as "I need to know "what the problem is"." "What is the problem?" is a direct question, used when directly asking about an issue.