Alleviate the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Alleviate the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ways to reduce or lessen the severity of an issue or difficulty. Example: "The new policy aims to alleviate the problem of overcrowding in public transportation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The new policy should alleviate the problem.

The Economist

New rules aim to alleviate the problem.

The New York Times

A "cellphone section" will not alleviate the problem.

The New York Times

But nor has it done much to alleviate the problem.

The Guardian

The military is working to alleviate the problem.

The New York Times

The best way to alleviate the problem is always to have some food in one's stomach.

The New York Times - Health

That scotched any hope that the faltering economic recovery would help alleviate the problem.

The New York Times

–What are some possible solutions or changes that can help alleviate the problem or issue?

The New York Times

Curiously, well-meaning environmental legislation has made it more difficult to alleviate the problem.

The Guardian

3. Companies can develop drug detection technologies New technologies are also helping to alleviate the problem.

The Guardian

-What alternative remedies or suggestions might help alleviate the problem created by global warming?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alleviate the problem", ensure that your sentence clearly states what actions are being taken to reduce the issue's severity. Be specific about the measures implemented.

Common error

Avoid using "alleviate the problem" when you intend to completely solve the issue. "Alleviate" implies reducing severity, not eliminating the problem entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alleviate the problem" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. According to Ludwig, it's a commonly used phrase to describe the act of reducing the severity of an issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alleviate the problem" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies reducing the severity of an issue rather than completely resolving it. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When using "alleviate the problem", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific measures being taken to reduce the issue's impact. If a complete solution is intended, consider using alternative phrases like "solve the problem".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mitigate the issue

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of the issue.

Ease the difficulty

Emphasizes making the difficulty less burdensome.

Lessen the burden

Highlights reducing the weight or pressure of the problem.

Reduce the impact

Specifically targets decreasing the effect of the problem.

Ameliorate the situation

Suggests an improvement in the overall circumstances.

Diminish the effect

Focuses on making the effect of the problem smaller.

Lighten the load

Implies making the burden of the problem easier to carry.

Cushion the blow

Suggests protecting from the negative consequences of the problem.

Take the edge off

Focuses on reducing the intensity or severity of the problem.

Allay concerns

Centers on reducing worry or anxiety related to the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "alleviate the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "alleviate the problem" to describe actions taken to reduce the severity of a difficulty. For instance, "The new policy aims to alleviate the problem of traffic congestion".

What are some alternatives to "alleviate the problem"?

Alternatives include "mitigate the issue", "ease the difficulty", or "reduce the impact" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "solve the problem" or "alleviate the problem"?

"Solve the problem" implies a complete resolution, whereas "alleviate the problem" suggests reducing its severity without necessarily fixing it entirely. The choice depends on whether the issue is fully resolved or merely lessened.

What does "alleviate" actually mean?

"Alleviate" means to make something less severe or serious. In the context of "alleviate the problem", it means to reduce the intensity or impact of the problem.