a problem to be solved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a problem to be solved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or challenge that requires a solution or resolution. Example: "The team identified a problem to be solved before the project could move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a problem to be solved.

The Guardian - Opinion

If, that is, there is a problem to be solved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To Ek, the music industry's nosedive was a problem to be solved.

The Guardian - Tech

Finally, lawmakers and the public acknowledged revenge porn as a problem to be solved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Society isn't a problem to be solved by leveraging our respective competencies.

The New Yorker

In nativist-sovereign Britain, the British woman with Bangladeshi parents is a problem to be solved.

The Guardian - Books

A problem to be solved can be encoded in a sequence of bases.

The New York Times

He sees death as a problem to be solved, and the sooner the better.

The New Yorker

NOT everyone agrees that income inequality is a problem to be solved.

The Economist

Entertainment is not a problem to be solved, but it is, in a sense, equally important.

The New York Times

And its heavy celebrity quotient was a problem to be solved on Thursday night.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a problem to be solved", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the problem. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, instead of stating "the situation is a problem to be solved", specify what aspect of the situation is problematic: "the lack of funding is a problem to be solved".

Common error

Avoid simply labeling situations as "a problem to be solved" without outlining potential strategies or steps toward resolution. Readers appreciate tangible solutions or proposed approaches, not just problem identification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a problem to be solved" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies something as requiring a solution. It frequently appears in sentences where a situation is being assessed or a challenge is being defined. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a problem to be solved" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression across a multitude of contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to frame a situation as requiring resolution. The phrase has neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications, and it appears most frequently in news and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly specifying what aspect constitutes the problem. Avoid overusing the phrase without providing actionable insights or potential solutions. Considering alternatives such as "an issue that needs resolving", "a challenge to overcome", or "a difficulty requiring attention" can further refine your message. The AI-powered Ludwig tool confirms the phrase's validity and widespread application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an issue that needs resolving

This alternative focuses on the need for resolution, highlighting the active process of resolving an issue. It shifts the emphasis from a static "problem" to a dynamic "issue".

a challenge to overcome

This phrase casts the problem as a challenge, implying a need for effort and resilience to succeed. It introduces a sense of proactive engagement with the difficulty.

a difficulty requiring attention

This emphasizes the necessity of giving importance to the difficulty at hand. It is slightly more formal and passive compared to the original phrase.

an obstacle to be addressed

This frames the problem as an obstacle, suggesting something blocking progress. It's a more formal way of expressing the need for resolution.

a task requiring completion

This shifts the focus to a task-oriented perspective, implying that the problem needs to be finished or resolved. It is less direct about the nature of the problem itself.

a situation demanding a solution

This emphasizes the urgency and necessity of finding a solution due to the nature of the situation. It's more forceful than the original phrase.

a matter that warrants fixing

This alternative implies that something is broken or not working correctly, requiring repair or adjustment. It's more specific than the general 'problem'.

a puzzle needing to be figured out

This reframes the problem as a puzzle, implying a need for cleverness and insight to find a solution. It suggests a more intellectual challenge.

a question that must be answered

This turns the problem into a question, emphasizing the need for information or understanding. It's a shift from a practical challenge to an intellectual one.

a complexity that needs unraveling

This presents the problem as something intricate and tangled, requiring careful analysis to understand and resolve. It emphasizes the intricate nature of the problem.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "a problem to be solved"?

When something is described as "a problem to be solved", it indicates that a situation or issue is viewed as a challenge that requires a solution or resolution. This perspective often implies a proactive approach, focusing on finding and implementing effective strategies to overcome the difficulty.

What can I say instead of "a problem to be solved"?

You can use alternatives like "an issue that needs resolving", "a challenge to overcome", or "a difficulty requiring attention" depending on the context.

Is "a problem to be solved" formal or informal language?

The phrase "a problem to be solved" is considered neutral language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the communication rather than the phrase itself.

How can I use "a problem to be solved" effectively in a sentence?

To use "a problem to be solved" effectively, clearly identify what the problem is and ensure that the context implies a need for action or a solution-oriented approach. For example: "The declining sales figures represent "an issue that needs resolving"." Avoid using it as a mere label without further elaboration.