widespread problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"widespread problems" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe issues that are common or prevalent in a particular area or context. For example, "The community is facing widespread problems related to housing." Alternative expressions include "pervasive issues" and "common challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But widespread problems still remain.

The New York Times

Recently, engineers have warned of widespread problems.

The New York Times

"These allegations of widespread problems are wrong.

The New York Times

Public awareness of the widespread problems is soaring.

The Guardian

JPMorgan does sound chastened by the widespread problems.

The New York Times

It identifies high turnover of frontline social workers and widespread problems recruiting experienced staff.

The Guardian

Some airports report widespread problems, while others say it has not been an issue.

The New York Times

Both possibilities could cause widespread problems when the voters show up at the polls.

The New York Times

The touch screens had replaced the punch-card systems that caused widespread problems that year.

The New York Times

Wada was founded in 1999 following widespread problems in athletics and the Festina affair in cycling.

The Guardian - Sport

"There might be a 50% risk of widespread problems or possibly only 1%," says Palmer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread problems", provide specific examples or contexts to illustrate the nature and scope of the issues you're describing. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Don't use "widespread problems" without any supporting evidence or detail. Overusing this phrase without specifics can weaken your argument and make it sound unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread problems" functions as a noun phrase, where "widespread" is an adjective modifying the noun "problems". Ludwig's examples show it is typically used to describe challenges or issues that affect a large number of people or areas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widespread problems" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that highlights the prevalence of issues across various contexts. Ludwig indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedias, signaling its broad applicability. It's crucial to provide specific examples when using this phrase to avoid vagueness and strengthen your argument. Consider using alternatives like "prevalent issues" or "common difficulties" to add nuance to your writing. Overall, "widespread problems" is a versatile phrase for drawing attention to significant challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevalent issues

Replaces 'problems' with 'issues', suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

common difficulties

Substitutes 'widespread' with 'common' and 'problems' with 'difficulties', softening the severity.

extensive troubles

Emphasizes the breadth of the problems by using 'extensive' instead of 'widespread'.

general malfunctions

Focuses on the operational aspect, using 'malfunctions' to describe the issues.

broad challenges

Presents the problems as 'challenges', implying a need for solutions.

rampant defects

Highlights the uncontrolled nature of the problems with 'rampant'.

considerable failures

Stresses the significance of the problems by using 'considerable'.

ubiquitous shortcomings

Indicates that the problems are present everywhere, using 'ubiquitous'.

far-reaching complications

Indicates that the problems have a large impact and a wide scope.

systemic faults

Emphasizes that the problems are ingrained within a system.

FAQs

What does "widespread problems" mean?

The phrase "widespread problems" refers to issues or difficulties that are prevalent across a large area, group, or system. It indicates that the problems are not isolated incidents but rather common occurrences.

What can I say instead of "widespread problems"?

You can use alternatives like "prevalent issues", "common difficulties", or "extensive troubles" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "widespread problems" or "isolated problems"?

The choice depends on the actual situation. "Widespread problems" suggests the issues are common and broad, while "isolated problems" indicates they are infrequent and limited. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the scope of the problem.

How can I effectively describe "widespread problems" in a report?

When describing "widespread problems", provide specific examples, data, and evidence to support your claims. This adds credibility and helps the reader understand the severity and scope of the issues. Consider mentioning potential solutions or strategies to address these problems.