actual problem vs topical problem

Both 'actual problem' and 'topical problem' are correct, but they have different meanings and contexts. 'Actual problem' refers to a problem that is real or existing, while 'topical problem' refers to a problem that is currently of interest or relevance. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the reality of the issue or its current relevance.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1265 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a real or existing problem.

"actual problem"

Use 'actual problem' when you want to emphasize a problem that is real or existing.

Examples:

The lack of funding is the actual problem we need to address.
Let's focus on the actual problems affecting our community.

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Talk about sports, the weather, anything but the actual problem.
It is evidently a much talked about issue, yet we have to understand that the actual problem is rather more complex.
However, the actual problem lies in the Solidarity Fund.
I believe that this optimism has since given way to the view that, rather than solving the actual problem, it suppresses it, that is, the issue of the two-thirds majority, the issue of a majority vote on future integration.
I'm dealing with an actual problem right now. Okay?
What, in your opinion, is the actual problem?
The actual problem is that with Greece we have an allied country that refuses point blank to recognise any kind of minority in its own country.
If the EP is not part of the solution to the problem today, it will become part of the actual problem.
It is not, however, the legal basis that is the actual problem where arms exports are concerned; the real problem lies in the different ways in which these legal bases are applied in the various countries within the European Union.
The actual problem is not with the Council, Parliament, or the Commission, but with different publicly-expressed opinions.
When it comes time to do the actual problem set, we have problems like this right here where we're just swapping out numbers and tweaking the context a little bit.
The actual problem is the time needed for the contradictory procedure, though the period agreed does not even take account of the summer recess.
You have a PR problem because you have an actual problem.
As the situation appears now, the actual problem is very small, but there is potentially a major problem just around the corner.
These enable only very limited conclusions to be reached about the actual problem in the internal market, especially since there are also goods entering the internal market which are not intended for it at all.
Such a ban would only be workable in the fisheries sector if a technical solution is available enabling the actual problem to be tackled, namely the dying of fish caught as bycatches.

Alternatives:

real problem
existing problem
genuine problem
authentic problem
true problem

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a problem that is currently of interest or relevance.

"topical problem"

Use 'topical problem' when you want to highlight a problem that is currently relevant or of interest.

Examples:

Climate change is a topical problem that requires immediate attention.
The company is focusing on addressing topical problems in the industry.

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That is all I had to say on this topical problem which you both, quite legitimately, pointed out.
I would like to focus on a very topical problem faced by Greek industry this week.
Mr President, Mr Pirker, you have indeed raised a very topical problem here, to which the Austrian Presidency is devoting great attention.
Mr President, I thank the Commissioner for his extensive response to what is indeed a very topical problem, which, as the Commissioner was right to emphasise, causes great concern.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the report by Mr Lange tackles a very topical problem: reacting to the economic and financial crisis that has seriously hit our productive system.
I certainly do not wish to address these topical problems here, but I do think that some aspects of the debate have been neglected.
Notes the commitment of the Commission to provide Parliament early each year with a working document concerning the state of play regarding the collection of own resources, the forecasted level of own resources for the next financial year and topical problems related to the own resources system;
There are also some thoroughly topical and practical problems.
Mr Lamassoure hardly touches upon this highly topical and acute problem in his report.
Taking into account how topical this problem is - at present approximately 8 million illegal immigrants are living in the EU - and how complicated it is, I think that creating a common legal framework is unavoidable.
Perhaps much of this is no longer topical, but the problem of harmonising these two elements is one of the main political problems confronting not only the Commission but also Parliament and the EU in the years to come.
However, it is also topical owing to the problem created by the emergence of avian influenza and the risks created by its transmission to Europe.
Takes the view that, owing to the topical nature of the problem, progress should be made first and foremost on the work on the harmonisation of the civil procedure of international law (jurisdiction and enforcement), the recognition of judgments, and mutual assistance;
Concomitant use of topical NSAIDs and topical steroids may increase the potential for healing problems.
Our global presence enables us to focus on the most topical problems in specific markets, whilst offering our customers the most efficient solutions in their country.
The problem of water is becoming increasingly topical.
For understandable reasons, the problem of the illegal circulation of excisable goods is particularly topical.
Mr President, I too would like to congratulate Mrs Carlshamre on the report which she has drafted with passion, ensuring that one problem of civilised human society remains topical.
The demographic problem is making the importance of lifelong learning as a product of solidarity between the generations even more topical than ever.
I voted in favour of Mr Marinescu's report, which draws attention to a problem that is currently highly topical.

Alternatives:

current problem
relevant problem
timely problem
contemporary problem
pertinent problem

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actual problem vs topical problem

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