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Son James Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Problem VS Affair VS Issue VS Matter

What is the difference between "affair" and "problem".

eg1) a police probe into the financial affairs of the company
eg2) the problem of drug abuse

[Q1] Can I put "problem" and "affair" alternately in the sentence above?

[Q2] Sometimes the meaning of "issue" comes to me as "problem".
eg3) I don't think my private life is the issue here.
eg4) Let's get on with the matter in hand
In that case, I think I can replace it to "problem". How about "affair"? Can I change "issue" and "matter" in eg3 and eg4 to "affair"?

Thank you in advance for your teaching.
  

Top answer

eg1) a police probe into the financial affairs of the company -- Affairs = business eg2) the problem of drug abuse -- Problem = problem [Q1] Can I put "problem" and "affair" alternately in the sentence above? -- No. eg3) I don't think my private life is the issue here.

— Mister Micawber

  • eg1) a police probe into the financial affairs of the company -- Affairs = business eg2) the problem of drug abuse -- Problem = problem [Q1] Can I put "problem" and "affair" alternately in the sentence above?
  • -- No.
  • eg3) I don't think my private life is the issue here.
  • -- No.
  • How about "affair"?
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3 Answers
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eg1) a police probe into the financial affairs of the company -- Affairs = business
eg2) the problem of drug abuse -- Problem = problem
[Q1] Can I put "problem" and "affair" alternately in the sentence above? -- No.

eg3) I don't think my private life is the issue here. -- Issue = relevant point, proper topic
eg4) Let's
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Ah! Choosing a proper word also requires a consideration on collocation. Thank you so much for your teaching,Mr.Micawber
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Son JamesChoosing a proper word also requires a consideration on collocation.
Yes! Learn this fact above everything else!
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