articulating the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "articulating the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of clearly expressing or defining an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. Example: "In our meeting, we focused on articulating the problem to ensure everyone understood the challenges we were facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"[Environment minister] Greg Hunt's approach won't do anything, so we need business leaders capable of articulating the problem.

The Guardian - Business

Tngraham adds, "The Democrats have not done a good job [of] clearly and rationally articulating the problem they are trying to solve and creating simple legislation to solve it.

The Economist

The analytic philosopher of mathematics might think of the material discussed here as providing preliminary 'data' that might help in articulating the problem.

SEP

The first step is problem definition which aims at articulating the problem in its context as clearly as possible.Humanity will have to cope with the energy problem, one of the most critical challenges of humanity in this century.

Procedia Computer Science

Even IBM signed on -- although IBM also went on record opposing business method patents, noting the fundamental problem with patents on intangibles: "[W]ith the advent of business method patenting it is possible to obtain exclusive rights over a general business model, which can include ALL solutions to a business problem, simply by articulating the problem".

Huffington Post

I found that a lot of the learners have struggled with just articulating the problem.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If you've listened to any of his Senate or policy speeches – and, really, you can pick almost any one at random – he's just as good at articulating the problems of income inequality or bank deregulation or for-profit insurance cartels or skyrocketing higher education costs as Elizabeth Warren is, but he does so with a vigor that she hasn't matched yet.

The Guardian - Opinion

One leading communications adviser said Geithner is "apparently incapable of articulating the problems and the solutions.

Forbes

This is why in more abstract domains of inquiry we are likely to find ourselves seeking guidance from our predecessors even as we call into question their ways of articulating the problems we are confronting.

SEP

Only through careful scrutiny of our processes in developing the registry and articulating the problems faced will we deliver within the DeNDRoN research network a state-of-the-art recruitment tool.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

What you really want to do is to be able to answer some simple questions: How well have you articulated the problem you want to solve?

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure your audience fully grasps the context of "articulating the problem". Providing examples can greatly enhance understanding and demonstrate the significance of the problem.

Common error

Avoid simply stating the problem without providing sufficient context or detail. "Articulating the problem" involves a deeper explanation that reveals the nuances and implications of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "articulating the problem" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It signifies the act of clearly and thoroughly expressing or defining a particular problem. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it often precedes discussions about solutions or further analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "articulating the problem" is a gerund phrase meaning to clearly express or define an issue. According to Ludwig, this grammatically sound phrase is most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts. The examples show its prevalence in situations requiring a clear understanding of challenges. When using the phrase, make sure to provide sufficient context to ensure that your audience grasps the nuances and implications of the issue. Alternatives include "defining the problem clearly" and "identifying the core issue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining the problem clearly

Emphasizes the clarity aspect of defining the problem.

clearly stating the problem

Focuses on the act of stating the problem without ambiguity.

identifying the core issue

Highlights the identification of the most important aspect of the problem.

outlining the challenge

Focuses on giving a general overview of the challenge.

explaining the difficulty

Shifts the focus to providing an explanation of the difficulty.

formulating the problem statement

Highlights the formal creation of a problem statement.

pinpointing the root cause

Emphasizes finding the fundamental cause of the problem.

defining the parameters of the problem

Highlights establishing the scope and boundaries of the problem.

laying out the problem

Focuses on the act of presenting the problem in a structured manner.

conceptualizing the issue

Emphasizes the mental process of understanding and forming a concept of the issue.

FAQs

How can I improve my skills in "articulating the problem"?

Practice identifying the core issue, understanding its context, and explaining it clearly and concisely. Seek feedback on your explanations to ensure they are easily understood.

What's the difference between "articulating the problem" and simply stating it?

"Articulating the problem" involves a thorough explanation of its various facets and implications. Stating the problem is a more basic declaration without detailed exposition. Consider instead "defining the problem clearly".

Are there specific contexts where "articulating the problem" is particularly important?

Yes, it's crucial in fields like science, engineering, and business where clear understanding of the problem is essential for developing effective solutions. In collaborative settings, doing so prevents misunderstandings and wasted effort.

What are some alternative phrases for "articulating the problem" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "clearly stating the problem", "identifying the core issue", or "outlining the challenge". Choose the phrase that best reflects the depth and detail of your explanation.