capture the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capture the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the identification or understanding of an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. Example: "In our meeting, we need to capture the problem before brainstorming potential solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

An alternative, overlapping, way to capture the problem is to examine "promoter groups"—federations controlled by clans or individuals.

The Economist

An integer linear programming proposed and a genetic algorithm developed to capture the problem structure.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

And so, in order to keep the gator population thriving and healthy guys working with Fish & Wildlife have to go in and capture the problem gators and turn them into fancy shoes and purses.

Vice

"[17,000] does not fully capture the problem because such attacks are greatly under-reported, some states don't track them and those that do vary widely in how they classify and catalog sexual violence," the report, authored by Robin McDowell, Reese Dunklin, Emily Schmall and Justin Pritchard, reads.

Huffington Post

Even hacking into a computer wouldn't count… They capture the problem of the 20th century, but they don't capture today's problems".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

12. Blackflix On The Last King of Scotland: "Toys too much with 'white hero in Africa' pattern and fails to fully capture the problems of post colonial Africa".

The Guardian - Film

Nobody can give a simple and clear explanation to capture the problems described above in a theoretical framework (using numerical simulations, many qualitative and quantitative but sometimes very complex studies have investigated effects of antiviral drugs [3], [8], [9], [10], [12], [26]).

Plosone

(The multilayered title of George Stephanopoulos's memoir captures the problem with real presidents: "All Too Human").

The New York Times

Gladwell's rankings piece captures the problem of Arrow's impossibility theorem.

The New Yorker

"Characterizing existential dilemmas in psychological terms strikes me as not capturing the problem," said Mr. Postol, who is also a speaker at the nuclear conference.

The New York Times - Arts

Barry Ritholtz captured the problem with the rental market perfectly: There are a lot of rental properties just sitting on the market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capture the problem" when you want to emphasize the act of successfully identifying or understanding a complex issue. It suggests a moment of clarity or insight.

Common error

Avoid using "capture the problem" in contexts where a more direct term like "identify" or "define" would be clearer and more appropriate. Overusing metaphorical language can obscure your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capture the problem" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of successfully identifying or understanding a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capture the problem" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the act of identifying and understanding a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms that. It finds application across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science. While not exceedingly common, its impact lies in emphasizing clarity and insight when tackling complex challenges. When directness is favored over metaphor, consider alternatives like "identify" or "define".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify the problem

Replaces "capture" with a more direct term for pinpointing the issue.

define the problem

Focuses on establishing a clear definition of the problem.

understand the problem

Emphasizes comprehending the nature of the problem.

recognize the problem

Highlights acknowledging the existence of the problem.

grasp the problem

Implies a firm understanding or hold on the issue.

discern the problem

Suggests a careful or subtle discovery of the problem.

pinpoint the problem

Indicates a precise and accurate identification.

diagnose the problem

Draws an analogy to medical diagnosis, implying thorough examination.

elucidate the problem

Focuses on making the problem clear and understandable.

frame the problem

Highlights the way a problem is presented or structured.

FAQs

What does "capture the problem" mean?

The phrase "capture the problem" means to successfully identify, understand, or articulate the essence of a particular issue or challenge.

When is it appropriate to use "capture the problem" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a moment of clear understanding or insight into a complex issue. In simpler situations, use alternatives like "identify the problem" or "define the problem".

What are some alternatives to "capture the problem"?

Some alternatives include "recognize the problem", "understand the problem", "grasp the problem", or "diagnose the problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "capture the problem" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more impactful in situations where the problem is somewhat complex or elusive. It suggests a thoughtful and insightful approach.