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'He has some HEALTH PROBLEMS.' vs 'He has some PROBLEMS WITH HEALTH.' - are both used or is the former more natural?

ksusha_lav
Hello everyone, Is there a rule on how the word 'problem' is used? From what I've noticed a noun is often used **before** the word 'problem' as in 'a homelessness problem', or 'a drug problem'. Is that usually the case? Thank you so much!

3 comments

OldFartWelshman•
"Health problems" or "a health problem" would be normally used - depending on if he had many or one. "Some" wouldn't commonly be used because the plural is already indicated. "Problems with health" sounds a bit unnatural, and could also be confusing; phrased that way it could be a problem with the health service. "Problems with his health" would be okay, and is a common alternative.
JenniferJuniper6•
I might say, “problems with his health,” but not “problems with health.” Health problems is probably your best option.
Spare-Error8684•
The former is more natural. If someone/something has a \_\_\_\_\_ problem, it just further specifies what the problem is with. The noun seems to act more like an adjective (or at least a modifier) in this case. However, a noun does *not* have to come before the word "problem". The second sentence would be okay if it were changed to "He has some problems with **his** health." since it'd be clearer.