Semantic constraints on "have a problem V-ing"

I'm looking for possible semantic constraints on the sequence have a problem V-ing.

Can you say, for example, he has a problem speaking English? What about he has a problem playing the piano?

Someone told me he has a problem speaking English is unnatural. But he has a problem pronouncing this word seems natural.

So I suspect that the semantic constraint is that the V-ing cannot refer to a general ability. But I am not sure if 'he has a problem playing the piano' is OK.

FYI, he has a problem following my argument also seems OK.

Solution 1:

In normal English usage 'he has a problem speaking English' sounds quite natural but the singularity of 'a problem' makes it sound a little unlikely. Perhaps 'he has difficulty' would be better.

Regarding the piano, it sounds more reasonable. eg.

• 'he has a problem playing the piano'
• 'what problem?'
• 'he only has 3 fingers on his right hand'

'He has a problem with speaking English' is different; it carries the connotation that there is something external to his speech which is the problem, such as a bias against the language.

Solution 2:

My Professor always says: Any problem understanding what I mean? Or Any problems doing exercises? She is an Australian woman. I am sure about the idioms like to have difficulty in doing something, but with regards to this phrase I cannot think of any usage with prepositions.