Search from various English teachers...
А S
Why is the article “a” used in the sentence “It's a problem that they can't do it” when “they can't do it” is a definition of “problem”? “Problem” is mentioned for the first time in the context
Dec 14, 2025 4:51 AM
Answers · 3
3
'That they can't do it' is not defining which specific problem they can't do. 'It' is the thing they cannot do and we don't know what 'it' is. That would be known from context or from an earlier sentence. The meaning here is - they can't do *something* . The fact that they can't do this thing is a problem (just one of the many problems that exist).
December 14, 2025
The article “a” is used because “problem” is a singular, countable noun being introduced for the first time. The clause “that they can’t do it” explains the nature of the problem but does not make it definite or uniquely identifiable. Since the listener is not expected to already know which specific problem is meant, the noun remains indefinite, so “a problem” is correct rather than “the problem.”
December 14, 2025
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
А S
Language Skills
English, Russian, Ukrainian
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Why "General English" is Failing Your Career (An Engineer’s Perspective)
1 likes · 2 Comments

Why Many Kids Struggle With English - and How the Right Tutor Makes a Difference
0 likes · 0 Comments

Why “Just Around the Corner” Is (Usually) a Lie
1 likes · 1 Comments
More articles
