MEANING & USE
This word means “a situation that causes difficulty” and is more general than issue.
problem
Which word is more neutral: problem or issue?
issue
A large group of people in one place, usually neutral.
crowd
This adjective describes something unpleasant that will happen very soon.
impending
This word describes something old-fashioned and no longer suitable for modern use.
archaic
Which word suggests saving money very carefully, sometimes too much?
penny-pinching
A group of people that sounds threatening or aggressive.
mob
This phrase means “very common, spreading fast (usually something bad)”.
be rife
This adjective describes a situation with no clear order or control.
chaotic
Which word suggests good value, not low quality?
affordable
A place full of energy, people, and activity.
lively
This phrase means “completely determined to do something”.
be hell bent on
This adjective means hard to deal with, but also intellectually stimulating.
challenging
Which word sounds more positive: vintage or run-down?
vintage
A place that feels noisy, wild, and out of control.
rowdy
This phrase means “to officially promise or dedicate yourself to something”.
be committed to doing something
Cleft it: The chaotic schedule caused the problem.
👉 It was the chaotic schedule that caused the problem.
Cleft it: Lack of planning made the project difficult.
What made the project difficult was the lack of planning.
Cleft it: Outdated tools slowed the team down.
It was outdated tools that slowed the team down.
Cleft it: Poor communication generated most of the issues.
What generated most of the issues was poor communication.