serious problem — big problem
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A situation or issue that is very important and difficult, and needs attention or action.
Say it like a native
Textbook We are confronted with a problem of considerable severity.
Native We've got a serious problem here.
Natives say 'a serious problem'; the formal paraphrase is bloated.
Pattern: serious problem (with/in/for + noun/gerund)
In use
- Lack of clean water is a serious problem in many parts of the world.daily life
- If young people spend too much time on social media, it can become a serious problem for their mental health.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We have a serious problem about the budget.
✓ We have a serious problem with the budget.
A problem WITH something, not 'about'.
Common collocations
a serious problem with— with, cause, face, pose
Don't confuse it
‘Serious problem’ is stronger than ‘small problem’ or ‘minor problem’.