a concrete solution

USAGE SUMMARY

"a concrete solution" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a practical solution to a problem or a concrete plan for achieving something. For example, "After careful consideration, the team came up with a concrete solution to the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Another is the relief a patient like Dr. Wager's mother feels when a doctor offers a concrete solution.

The New York Times

Mr. Patel got there by identifying a sticky problem in American civic life and proposing a concrete solution.

The New York Times

Emmons has spent time with a sports psychologist, but there doesn't seem to be much of a concrete solution in that response.

The New Yorker

Last week the Dow enjoyed its best rally of the year, in part on hopes of a concrete solution to the eurozone crisis.

The Guardian - Business

Setting aside parcels of land, which vulnerable communities can move, to is a concrete solution in a rights-based approach that aims to prevent land conflict.

The Guardian

It describes a concrete solution for the implementation of HD/SHD (high-definition/super-high-definition) still image retrieval services which can be used in different applications.

Computers & Electrical Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mica described the drilling proposal as a "Band-Aid" that would cover short-term funding gaps in the new bill until a more concrete solution can be found.

The Washington Post

"While it did wake people up in terms of the issues, it didn't lead to any concrete solutions".

The New York Times

Saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH 2) solution was used to simulate a concrete pore solution at room temperature.

Construction and Building Materials

Second, to write in simple, anodyne "business" English, conveying a concrete, uplifting solution possibly broken down into a pre-digested list.

Harvard Business Review

Mix a concrete etching solution with water in a plastic container.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a concrete solution", ensure it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). This enhances its credibility and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid presenting a superficial idea as "a concrete solution". Ensure that the solution is thoroughly developed and addresses the core problem, not just its symptoms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concrete solution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to a tangible, practical, and well-defined answer to a problem as Ludwig confirms by providing many examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concrete solution" is a noun phrase that refers to a tangible and practical resolution to a problem. Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples shows that this phrase is grammatically correct and is used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. The phrase's primary function is to convey a sense of clarity and actionability. While it is not the most frequently used phrase, it carries significant weight when communicating a well-defined plan. Remember to ensure your "concrete solutions" are truly practical and well-substantiated to avoid the pitfall of overpromising without substance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a practical solution

Replaces "concrete" with "practical", focusing on the feasibility of the solution.

a tangible remedy

Substitutes both words to imply something that can be clearly grasped or dealt with.

a viable answer

Replaces solution with answer and concrete with viable, which means capable of working successfully.

a definitive resolution

Changes "concrete" to "definitive" and "solution" to "resolution", suggesting a conclusive end to a problem.

a clear-cut solution

Replaces "concrete" with "clear-cut", meaning unambiguous and easy to understand.

an effective approach

Shifts from a solution to an "approach", highlighting a method rather than just an answer.

a realistic fix

Uses "realistic" instead of "concrete", emphasizing the achievability of the solution.

a hands-on solution

Implies active involvement and practicality in solving the problem.

a well-defined solution

Replaces "concrete" with "well-defined", indicating clarity and precision.

a pragmatic resolution

Focuses on the practicality and usefulness of the resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "a concrete solution" in a sentence?

You can use "a concrete solution" to describe a practical and well-defined answer to a problem. For example, "The team proposed "a concrete solution" to address the budget deficit".

What's the difference between "a concrete solution" and "a potential solution"?

"A concrete solution" implies a well-developed and practical plan, while "a potential solution" suggests an idea that requires further development or testing. A "concrete solution" is ready for implementation, whereas a potential one is not.

What can I say instead of "a concrete solution"?

You can use alternatives like "a practical solution", "a tangible remedy", or "a viable answer" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to have "a concrete solution" when identifying a problem?

While not always immediately available, striving for "a concrete solution" is crucial for effective problem-solving. Identifying the problem is the first step, but without a practical plan, the problem remains unresolved. Sometimes you need to propose "a practical solution" to make progress.