In 15 Seconds
- Points out a root cause clearly.
- Used in formal, analytical contexts.
- Connects observations to deeper issues.
- Adds weight to your arguments.
Meaning
This phrase is like shining a powerful flashlight onto a hidden problem. You're using it to clearly and directly point out the root cause or the specific reason why a particular situation isn't working or is proving difficult. It carries a sense of, 'Aha! Here's the core issue we need to address.'
Key Examples
3 of 11Reporting to a manager about project delays.
The repeated software glitches this quarter, despite recent updates, `highlights the problem of` inadequate quality assurance testing.
The repeated software glitches this quarter, despite recent updates, emphasizes the issue of inadequate quality assurance testing.
Discussing environmental issues on a podcast.
The dramatic increase in plastic waste found in oceans `highlights the problem of` unsustainable consumption habits globally.
The dramatic increase in plastic waste found in oceans emphasizes the issue of unsustainable consumption habits globally.
University essay about social inequality.
Disparities in access to education, often linked to socioeconomic status, truly `highlights the problem of` systemic inequality.
Differences in educational access, often tied to socioeconomic status, truly emphasize the issue of systemic inequality.
Cultural Background
In British academic culture, this phrase is often used to introduce a 'critique' in a polite but firm way. It is a staple of the 'Oxford Tutorial' style of debate. In US corporate culture, this phrase is used to 'identify pain points.' It is seen as a proactive, leadership-oriented way to speak. When using this phrase in Japan, speakers often soften it with 'perhaps' or 'it seems' to avoid appearing too confrontational or critical of others. German speakers value 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). This phrase is highly valued because it sounds objective and evidence-based rather than personal.
Use Noun Phrases
To sound truly C1, follow 'of' with a complex noun phrase like 'systemic inefficiency' rather than a simple one like 'bad work'.
Don't Overuse
If you use it more than twice in a 500-word essay, it starts to sound repetitive. Try 'underscores' or 'illuminates' for variety.
In 15 Seconds
- Points out a root cause clearly.
- Used in formal, analytical contexts.
- Connects observations to deeper issues.
- Adds weight to your arguments.
What It Means
Ever felt like you just *get* why something's gone wrong? Like when your Wi-Fi dies mid-Netflix binge? This phrase, This highlights the problem of, is your linguistic equivalent of that 'aha!' moment. It means you're clearly showing or emphasizing a specific issue or difficulty that has become obvious. You're drawing attention to the core reason for a challenge. Think of it as putting a giant, flashing neon sign over the real issue, saying, "Look here! This is what's truly messing things up." It’s about making an obscure problem undeniable.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is straightforward. You typically present some evidence or an observation first. Then, you follow up with This highlights the problem of to introduce the underlying issue. For example, if your team consistently misses deadlines, you might say, "Our project management software is rarely updated. This highlights the problem of a lack of consistent communication." It connects a symptom directly to its cause. You’re not just stating an issue; you’re pointing to its source. It's like being a detective, laying out the clues and then dramatically revealing the culprit!
Formality & Register
This phrase generally sits in the formal to semi-formal camp. You'll hear it a lot in academic papers, business reports, or serious discussions. Imagine a TED Talk, a university lecture, or a company strategy meeting. It's less common in casual chats with friends about last night's terrible pizza. You wouldn't text your friend, "My phone battery is always dead. This highlights the problem of my poor charging habits." You'd probably just say, "Ugh, my battery's dead again." It’s a phrase for when you need to be precise and a bit weighty.
Real-Life Examples
Consider a news report: "Recent data shows a significant increase in online fraud cases. This highlights the problem of inadequate cybersecurity measures." Or a student presenting a research project: "The experimental results were inconsistent. This highlights the problem of uncontrolled variables in the setup." Even in a review of a new gadget: "The smart home device constantly disconnects. This highlights the problem of unreliable network connectivity." It’s used when facts lead to a clear conclusion about a flaw.
When To Use It
Use it when:
- You want to formally draw attention to a root cause.
- You're presenting findings or analysis in a professional setting.
- You need to shift from observation to explanation.
- You want to add weight and seriousness to your point.
- You're writing an essay, report, or formal email. It makes you sound smart and insightful, like you've really thought things through.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it when:
- You're having a casual chat or texting friends. It'll sound super stiff.
- The problem is obvious and doesn't need formal emphasis (e.g., "It's raining.
This highlights the problem ofnot having an umbrella.") – just grab an umbrella! - You want to sound empathetic or consoling. It’s too analytical for emotional situations.
- You're trying to be humorous in a lighthearted way. It's a bit too serious for jokes, unless you're intentionally being ironic. For instance, commenting on your cat's sleeping habits with this phrase might get a chuckle, but use sparingly!
Common Mistakes
This highlights the problem of unreliable transportation." (You highlight *the problem of something*, not *a problem for someone* in this structure).
This highlights the problem of outdated infrastructure." (Avoid tautology; connect a symptom to a deeper cause).
Common Variations
While This highlights the problem of is quite specific, you can find variations that convey a similar meaning, often with slight differences in formality or emphasis:
This underscores the issue of...(slightly more formal, emphasizes importance).This emphasizes the challenge of...(focuses on difficulty).This brings to light the complication of...(reveals a hidden complexity).This reveals the fundamental flaw in...(more direct, often critical).This points to the core difficulty with...(slightly less formal, more direct).
Regional differences aren't huge for this one, as it's a standard academic/professional phrase globally. Think of these as different flavors of insightful observation.
Real Conversations
Meeting:
Speaker 1: "Our customer satisfaction scores dropped last quarter, despite a new training program."
Speaker 2: "Hmm. This highlights the problem of training effectiveness. Maybe the content isn't hitting the mark."
Email to team:
Subject
Hi Team,
The Alpha launch is delayed again due to unexpected bugs. This highlights the problem of insufficient testing protocols early in development.
News Commentary:
Reporter
Analyst
This highlights the problem of the constant cat-and-mouse game between hackers and security teams, and the need for stronger regulatory oversight."Quick FAQ
- Can I use it in an informal email? Generally, no. Stick to more casual phrasing unless it's a formal work email.
- Is it always about negative things? Mostly, yes.
Problemimplies something negative or challenging. - Can I say 'It highlights the problem of...' instead of 'This highlights...'? Absolutely!
Itworks perfectly if the 'it' clearly refers to the preceding information. - Is it a strong phrase? Yes, it carries significant weight, signaling that a serious issue needs attention.
- What's a simpler way to say it? "This shows the problem with..." or "This proves the difficulty of..." are good, less formal alternatives.
- Does it require evidence? Yes, it's best used when you've just provided some facts or observations that make the problem clear. It's your bridge from observation to analysis.
- Is it good for arguments? Very much so! It helps you logically connect your points and bolster your argument with clear problem identification.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a workhorse in formal analysis, serving to connect an observed symptom or event to its deeper, systemic cause. While it injects authority and clarity into your communication, be mindful of its formal register; deploying it in casual contexts might earn you a few raised eyebrows. Always ensure you have a clear 'what' (the observation) and 'why' (the problem) to make your use impactful.
Use Noun Phrases
To sound truly C1, follow 'of' with a complex noun phrase like 'systemic inefficiency' rather than a simple one like 'bad work'.
Don't Overuse
If you use it more than twice in a 500-word essay, it starts to sound repetitive. Try 'underscores' or 'illuminates' for variety.
Softening the Blow
In sensitive situations, add 'perhaps' or 'potentially' before 'highlights' to sound less accusatory.
Examples
11The repeated software glitches this quarter, despite recent updates, `highlights the problem of` inadequate quality assurance testing.
The repeated software glitches this quarter, despite recent updates, emphasizes the issue of inadequate quality assurance testing.
Used to explain the underlying cause of project delays in a professional setting.
The dramatic increase in plastic waste found in oceans `highlights the problem of` unsustainable consumption habits globally.
The dramatic increase in plastic waste found in oceans emphasizes the issue of unsustainable consumption habits globally.
Explaining a global issue and its root cause to a broad audience.
Disparities in access to education, often linked to socioeconomic status, truly `highlights the problem of` systemic inequality.
Differences in educational access, often tied to socioeconomic status, truly emphasize the issue of systemic inequality.
Using the phrase to make a strong analytical point in academic writing.
Many new apps prioritize user growth over data security. `This highlights the problem of` ethical considerations lagging behind innovation.
Many new apps prioritize user growth over data security. This points to the issue of ethical considerations lagging behind innovation.
A thoughtful observation on social media, linking a trend to a deeper societal issue.
Our competitors are constantly innovating, while we're stuck. `This highlights the problem of` a lack of investment in R&D.
Our competitors are constantly innovating, while we're stuck. This points to the issue of a lack of investment in R&D.
Directly identifying the reason for a business challenge.
My fridge is empty AGAIN. `This highlights the problem of` my superpower: eating everything within 24 hours of buying it. Send pizza!
My fridge is empty AGAIN. This points to the issue of my superpower: eating everything within 24 hours of buying it. Send pizza!
Humorous, self-deprecating use of a formal phrase to lighten the mood.
Customers frequently report long wait times for support. `This highlights the problem of` understaffing in the customer service department.
Customers frequently report long wait times for support. This points to the issue of understaffing in the customer service department.
Clearly identifying a systemic issue based on customer feedback.
Seeing all this trash on the sand. `This highlights the problem of` environmental negligence and lack of public awareness. #ProtectOurOceans
Seeing all this trash on the sand. This points to the issue of environmental negligence and lack of public awareness. #ProtectOurOceans
Using the phrase to express concern and call attention to an issue on social media.
✗ The low voter turnout highlights the problem about civic engagement. → ✓ The low voter turnout `highlights the problem of` civic engagement.
The low voter turnout emphasizes the issue of civic engagement.
Common error is using 'about' instead of 'of' after 'problem'.
✗ Our outdated software is a big problem. This highlights the problem of our outdated software. → ✓ Our outdated software is slow and inefficient. `This highlights the problem of` inadequate tech investment.
Our outdated software is slow and inefficient. This points to the issue of inadequate tech investment.
Avoid using the phrase to state the obvious or repeat what was just said. Connect a symptom to a deeper cause.
The growing mental health crisis among young people `highlights the problem of` insufficient support systems in our communities.
The growing mental health crisis among young people emphasizes the issue of insufficient support systems in our communities.
Analyzing a complex societal issue and identifying its underlying cause.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and form of the verb.
The recent data ________ the problem ________ income inequality.
'Data' can be singular or plural, but 'This highlights' is the standard phrase. 'Of' is the required preposition.
Which sentence uses the phrase in the most appropriate register?
Choose the best sentence:
The phrase is best suited for formal, analytical contexts like scientific studies.
Complete the dialogue with the most logical conclusion.
Speaker A: 'We've had three different managers in six months.' Speaker B: 'I agree. This ________.'
The conclusion must logically relate to the evidence (changing managers).
Match the 'Highlight' to the 'Problem'.
If the 'Highlight' is 'A bridge collapsing', what is the most likely 'Problem'?
A collapse points to a structural or maintenance failure.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe recent data ________ the problem ________ income inequality.
'Data' can be singular or plural, but 'This highlights' is the standard phrase. 'Of' is the required preposition.
Choose the best sentence:
The phrase is best suited for formal, analytical contexts like scientific studies.
Speaker A: 'We've had three different managers in six months.' Speaker B: 'I agree. This ________.'
The conclusion must logically relate to the evidence (changing managers).
If the 'Highlight' is 'A bridge collapsing', what is the most likely 'Problem'?
A collapse points to a structural or maintenance failure.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes. 'The problem' implies there is one specific, well-known issue. 'A problem' suggests this is one of many possible issues.
Only if you are being sarcastic or discussing something very serious. Otherwise, it's too formal for texting.
'Shows' is neutral. 'Highlights' implies that the thing being shown is particularly important or was previously overlooked.
Yes, 'problem with' is also common, but 'problem of' is slightly more formal and preferred in academic writing.
Yes, in this specific phrase, it functions as the main verb of the sentence.
No. You would say 'This highlights the benefit of' or 'This highlights the success of' instead.
Extremely common in both American and British English, especially in professional settings.
Yes, 'This' often acts as a 'summary proform,' referring back to the entire situation described previously.
There isn't a direct opposite, but you might say 'This obscures the issue of...' if something is making a problem harder to see.
Yes, it's a great way to show you can analyze your own past mistakes professionally.
Related Phrases
Underscores the importance of
similarTo emphasize why something is necessary.
Brings to light
similarTo reveal something that was hidden.
Exposes the flaw in
specialized formTo show a specific weakness in an argument or system.
Points to
similarTo suggest a cause or direction.
