big problem

You can use it as a statement. Just say, "We have a big problem." You can also use it to describe a specific thing. For example, "The broken car is a big problem." It usually comes after the verb to be or have. It is easy to remember and hard to mess up. Just don't say it for tiny things like losing a pen!

Use it when the stakes are high. Use it at work if a project fails. Use it at home if the pipes burst. It works well when you need to be direct. It is great for texting a friend when you are lost. It is perfect for telling a waiter your food is cold. If you feel a bit of panic, this is the phrase.

Avoid it for very small inconveniences. If you are five minutes late, it is not a big problem. If you use it too much, people stop listening. It can sound a bit dramatic if used for small things. Also, in very high-level legal documents, people use significant issue instead. Don't use it if you want to sound calm and relaxed. It carries weight, so use it wisely.

English speakers often use this phrase to be very clear. In some cultures, people hide problems. In English-speaking cultures, being direct is often better. This phrase became a bit of a meme in movies. Think of an astronaut saying, "Houston, we have a big problem." It is a universal way to signal distress. It bridges the gap between different English dialects perfectly.

You can make it stronger or weaker. You can say huge problem or massive problem for disasters. If you want to be more formal, use major issue. If you are being casual, you might say big deal. If you want to sound British, you might say a bit of a spot of bother. But big problem remains the king of clarity. It is understood from New York to Sydney.