Cool MateProblem vs That's an issue
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Problem
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
That's an issue
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Problem
| Problem | That's an issue | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈprɒbləm/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈprɑːbləm/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ən ˈɪʃuː//🇺🇸 //ðæts ən ˈɪʃu// |
| Meaning | A difficulty or issue that needs to be solved. | It's a problem or concern. |
| Example | Math can be hard, but I will solve this problem. | That's an issue we need to resolve before the project deadline. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | acute, big, enormous, host, set, be, pose, present (somebody with), arise, come up, crop up, area, spot, behaviour/behavior, problem about, problem for, problem of, an approach to a problem, the crux of the problem, the heart of the problem, complicated, difficult, easy, do, find the answer to, solve, set | address an issue, report an issue, identify an issue, resolve an issue, discuss an issue |
| Antonyms | solution, answer, resolution | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Problem' is often confused with 'trouble'—these words have slightly different meanings., Some learners may use 'problems' incorrectly with uncountable nouns., Use the phrase 'to solve a problem' instead of 'to fix a problem'. | Using 'issue' interchangeably with 'problem' without context., Saying 'that's issues' instead of 'that's an issue'., Overusing this phrase in positive contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'problem' in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using in overly casual situations when a lighter term might fit, like 'issue' or 'challenge'. | Use this phrase to point out a problem during discussions. It works well in both formal meetings and casual conversations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Problem vs That's an issue
What's the difference between Problem and That's an issue?
Problem: A difficulty or issue that needs to be solved. That's an issue: It's a problem or concern.
Which is more common: Problem and That's an issue?
Problem is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Problem: Math can be hard, but I will solve this problem. That's an issue: That's an issue we need to resolve before the project deadline.
Can I use Problem and That's an issue interchangeably?
Not always. Problem and That's an issue are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.