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Grammar fix

a deep-rooted problem

entrenched/long-standing problem

a problem that has existed for a long time and is very difficult to change or solve because it is part of the basic structure or habits of a group, system, or society.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Corruption is a deep-rooted problem in many countries, making real change extremely challenging.society
  • In my opinion, unemployment is a deep-rooted problem in some regions because it is connected to a lack of investment and poor education, so it cannot be solved quickly.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a deep-rooted problem (in/with something)

WrongIt's a deep-root problem.

RightIt's a deep-rooted problem.

It's 'deep-rooted' (with -ed) — like a plant with deep roots.

Patterna deep-rooted problem (in/with something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The issue is profoundly embedded within the organisational structure.

Natural It's a deep-rooted problem in the system.

'Deep-rooted problem' is the natural collocation; the formal paraphrase is heavy.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • deep-rooted + problem
    a deep-rooted problemdeep-rooted issuesdeeply rooteddeep-seated

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'a big problem' (which means important or serious), 'a deep-rooted problem' means the issue is difficult to remove because it is part of the system or culture. It is not about size, but about how established the problem is.

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