a problem with the items vs a problem with the item

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A problem with the items' is used when referring to multiple items having issues, while 'a problem with the item' is used when talking about a single item with an issue.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 2443 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to multiple items having issues.

"a problem with the items"

This phrase is used when there are problems with more than one item. It indicates that there are issues with multiple items in a group.

Examples:

There seems to be a problem with the items we received in the shipment.
I encountered a problem with the items I purchased online.

Show examples from the web [+]

He had a problem with one of the items on our résumé.
Mr President, there is a problem with the text at item 11, page 10, in the part about mountain wine-growing.
I cannot see any problem in leaving this item as it stands.
We must work relentlessly together on items posing a problem with Washington.
One of the items listed is the inventory of student mobility, the obvious problem with which is that many students are already not taking the road abroad because they will later have substantial difficulties with recognition.
Charlie has a problem with his security clearance.
Suggests a problem with porphryin metabolism.
Sam had a problem with prescription medication.
Kathalijne Maria Buitenweg spoke on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group to request that the title of the debate on Current problems regarding immigration (Item 85 on the Agenda) be changed to include the words Situation in Ceuta, Melilla and Lampedusa.
I mean, I don't have a problem with her, but if someone did have a problem with her, I wouldn't have a problem with that either.
There's a problem with the air conditioner.
I have a problem with my car.
And once again, two scientists have got a problem with noise.
And a lot of artists have a problem with this.
We have a problem with marketing in the donor community.
We've got a problem with the antenna ringing.
There's a problem with a traditional scientific paper.
Imagine a problem with just five decision-makers.
There is still a problem with the complexity of the overall structure.
Firstly, there is a problem with business registration procedures.

Alternatives:

problems with the items
issues with the items
difficulties with the items
challenges with the items
troubles with the items

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a single item having an issue.

"a problem with the item"

This phrase is used when there is a problem with a specific item. It indicates that there is an issue with one particular item.

Examples:

There is a problem with the item I purchased.
She reported a problem with the item she borrowed.

Show examples from the web [+]

He had a problem with one of the items on our résumé.
Mr President, there is a problem with the text at item 11, page 10, in the part about mountain wine-growing.
I cannot see any problem in leaving this item as it stands.
We must work relentlessly together on items posing a problem with Washington.
One of the items listed is the inventory of student mobility, the obvious problem with which is that many students are already not taking the road abroad because they will later have substantial difficulties with recognition.
Charlie has a problem with his security clearance.
Suggests a problem with porphryin metabolism.
Sam had a problem with prescription medication.
Kathalijne Maria Buitenweg spoke on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group to request that the title of the debate on Current problems regarding immigration (Item 85 on the Agenda) be changed to include the words Situation in Ceuta, Melilla and Lampedusa.
I mean, I don't have a problem with her, but if someone did have a problem with her, I wouldn't have a problem with that either.
There's a problem with the air conditioner.
I have a problem with my car.
And once again, two scientists have got a problem with noise.
And a lot of artists have a problem with this.
We have a problem with marketing in the donor community.
We've got a problem with the antenna ringing.
There's a problem with a traditional scientific paper.
Imagine a problem with just five decision-makers.
There is still a problem with the complexity of the overall structure.
Firstly, there is a problem with business registration procedures.

Alternatives:

problem with the item
issue with the item
difficulty with the item
challenge with the item
trouble with the item

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a problem with the items vs a problem with the item

"a problem with the items"

"a problem with the item"

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