ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prob

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈpɹɑb// prob Informal

n. a short way of saying or writing 'problem'. You use this when you are texting or talking to friends and want to save time.

n. a clipped form of 'problem' used in casual speech and digital communication. Often appears in the phrase 'no prob' as a response to a request or thanks.


SIMPLE

I can help you with that, no prob.

CONTEXTUAL

I'm running five minutes late, but it shouldn't be a big prob for the team.

COMPLEX

While 'no prob' is a staple of instant messaging, using it in a formal email might suggest a lack of professional distance or seriousness.

Usage

Informal clipping; primarily used in spoken English or digital messaging rather than formal prose.

Pitfall

There is a big prob with the contract.There is a big problem with the contract.The clipped form 'prob' is too informal for professional or legal documents; use the full word 'problem' instead.

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