address the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "address the problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase in situations where you need to talk about taking action to resolve issues or tackle obstacles. For example: "We need to address the problem quickly if we want to get the project completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Is it adequate to address the problem?

The New York Times

When can they first address the problem?

The New York Times

Verizon didn't address the problem, however.

The New York Times

Nor did it address the problem completely.

The New York Times - Arts

Banks are starting to address the problem.

The Economist

address the problem of photophobia.

Harvard University

How do we address the problem?

The New York Times

The FA must address the problem forthwith.

The Guardian - Sport

Congress has tried to address the problem.

The New York Times

TR: How should we address the problem?

MIT Technology Review

Too late to address the problem?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "address the problem" to demonstrate a proactive and responsible approach to challenges.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "the problem needs to be addressed" as it lacks clarity and directness. Instead, specify who will "address the problem" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "address the problem" is a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a clause, typically indicating an action to be taken. As supported by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase, indicating intent to resolve an issue. Examples include "We need to address the problem" or "How should we address the problem?".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Unknown/unmatched sources

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "address the problem" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies the act of taking action to resolve or manage an issue. This phrase is prevalent across diverse contexts, notably in news and media, academic discussions, and scientific research, as highlighted by the examples provided. The phrase's function is to urge action, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives like ""tackle the issue"" or ""resolve the matter"" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, and it is important to avoid passive constructions for clearer writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tackle the issue

Focuses on a more forceful or direct approach to dealing with the problem.

resolve the matter

Emphasizes finding a solution or ending the problem completely.

handle the situation

Highlights managing or controlling the problem, not necessarily solving it.

deal with the difficulty

Focuses on managing the problem, implying it might be ongoing.

take care of the problem

Suggests a responsible and attentive approach to solving the problem.

mitigate the issue

Highlights reducing the severity or impact of the problem.

rectify the situation

Focuses on correcting or setting right what is wrong with the problem.

remedy the problem

Emphasizes providing a cure or solution to the problem.

attend to the matter

Suggests giving attention and care to resolve the issue.

sort out the difficulty

Implies organizing and resolving the problem in a clear and efficient manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "address the problem" to indicate taking action to resolve an issue, such as "The company needs to address the problem of low employee morale".

What are some alternatives to "address the problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "tackle the issue", "resolve the matter", or "handle the situation", depending on the specific context.

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

"Address the problem" implies taking steps to deal with an issue, while "solve the problem" indicates finding a complete resolution. The best choice depends on whether you're focusing on the process or the outcome.

What does it mean to "address the problem" upstream?

Addressing the problem upstream means tackling the root cause or origin of the issue, rather than just dealing with the symptoms. This proactive approach aims to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.