"that is the problem" vs "to be or not to be"

Question

"that is the problem" vs "to be or not to be"

These two phrases are famous lines from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. 'To be or not to be' is a soliloquy where Hamlet contemplates life and death, while 'that is the problem' is not directly related to this context. Both phrases are correct in their respective contexts, but they are not interchangeable.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

This phrase is used to point out a specific problem or difficulty.

Examples:

I can't find my keys, and that is the problem.
She keeps forgetting important dates, and that is the problem.
The car won't start, and that is the problem.
He never listens to instructions, and that is the problem.
The budget is too tight, and that is the problem.

This phrase is used to express deep contemplation about existence, life, and death.

Examples:

To be or not to be, that is the question.
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer...
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles...
And by opposing end them?
To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end...

Answer 1

that is the problem

This phrase is correct when used to indicate that a particular issue or difficulty is being referred to.

Answer 2

to be or not to be

This phrase is correct and is a famous line from Shakespeare's play Hamlet, where the character Hamlet contemplates the meaning of life and death.

"that is the problem" vs "to be or not to be"

that is the problem

to be or not to be

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