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what was the problem vs what the problem was

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What was the problem' is a more common and natural way to ask about a specific issue that occurred in the past. 'What the problem was' is used when emphasizing or explaining the problem itself rather than asking a direct question.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: July 22, 2024 • 48844 views

what was the problem

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to ask about a specific issue that occurred in the past. It is a direct question seeking information about the problem.

Examples:

  • What was the problem that caused the delay?
  • Can you tell me what was the problem with the machine?
  • I wonder what was the problem with the internet connection.
  • Dec 28, 2021 ... What was the problem with Dean? Character Discussion - General. Ok, hear me out. I don't understand why people think that Dean was a bad ...
  • Vocabulary Cards: What Was the Problem? Ask students a series of questions about what they did this morning, last night, or earlier in the week. For example, ...
  • Jan 1, 2019 ... What was the problem with the presequel? And what can be learned. I've been playing borderlands since the beginning. I loved the original. I ...
  • Device limit reached what was the problem · Radhe9898 April 13, 2022, 10:41am 1. Please solve this problem. Error: Device limit reached. Your Brave Rewards ...
  • What was the problem? added by CK, October 3, 2012. ➜ #2037975 Qual era il problema? linked by Guybrush88, November 25, 2012. ➜ #2061770 Quel était le ...
  • Dec 30, 2012 ... In the layman's terms, what was the problem in "Margin Call"? Why did company sell everything, and why were they so nervous? All related (39).
  • Blue clay: What was the problem? Thread starter Gary Duane; Start date Mar 16, 2015 · Gary Duane. G.O.A.T.. Mar 16, 2015. #1. This is an honest question.
  • Aug 27, 2015 ... What was the problem with 'gravity' in the movie Interstellar?
  • Aug 28, 2020 ... What Was the Problem in Parkland? Using Social Media to Measure the Effectiveness of Issue Frames. Kevin Aslett,. Corresponding Author. Kevin ...
  • Jul 4, 2014 ... What was the problem amongst the baratheon bros. Facebook · Twitter · brilliantdiscord_widget. The Latest News. 10 Years ...

Alternatives:

  • What was wrong?
  • What was the issue?
  • What was the matter?

what the problem was

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to emphasize the problem itself rather than asking a direct question. It is often used in a sentence to provide information or to highlight a particular aspect of the problem.

Examples:

  • I finally understood what the problem was.
  • Let's discuss what the problem was before we move on.
  • She explained to me what the problem was with the project.
  • Jan 20, 2024 ... Newbie's opinion on what the “problem” was with the Leviathans. Season 7. I recently finished the Leviathan season on my first watch through ...
  • Sep 13, 2024 ... Not sure what the problem was ‍♂️ · Line up Announcement Krazy Klub is back at @indigoattheo2 on Sat 28 December‼️ Get your tickets before it's ...
  • Mar 11, 2023 ... Just solved a problem, but don't understand what the problem was, or why what I did fixed it. I ran into a weird situation today with my ...
  • "what the problem was" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English. You could use it in a sentence like this: "After discussing the issue, I ...
  • Jul 13, 2022 ... Is this actually what the problem was? Did my drone go down because it was flying directly beneath my feet under a bridge? Thread starter ...
  • Jun 11, 2021 ... When I asked for help, I didn't really know what the problem was, and I couldn't really think clearly enough to come up with a solution. It ...
  • Javascript problem solved, don't understand what the problem was · Ask Question. Asked 15 years ago. Modified 15 years ago. Viewed 254 times.
  • Mar 23, 2019 ... I Saw a Horse and I'm Not Sure What the Problem Was or Why the Treatment Seemed to Help. Published: March 22, 20196:43 pm Updated: March 23 ...
  • Apr 16, 2009 ... ... what the problem was), with only an "OK" button. The document opened fine with all its data, and all the correct formatting. What was wrong ...
  • Mar 28, 2015 ... I'm the family organizer and tried everything I could think of to find out what the problem was. I read somewhere that you HAVE to go to ...

Alternatives:

  • The problem was what?
  • What was the problem?
  • The problem was that...

Related Comparisons

I see what is the problem vs I see what the problem is I understand what the problem is vs I understand what is the problem to be or not to be vs that is the problem what is the due vs how much is the due What is the problem vs Is it a problem how is the film? vs how was the film?

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