cite the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cite the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to reference or mention a specific issue or difficulty in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In your report, please make sure to cite the problem that led to the project's delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The initiative comes as the spill in the Gulf of Mexico has underscored the problem with dependence on oil, and officials said the president would cite the problem when he discusses his plan.

The New York Times

For simplicity, we cite the problem of elastic waves generated by cylindrical-bar collisions that typically appears in dynamics textbooks, such as that written by Meyers (1994).

Earth, Planets and Space

Marijuana advocates cite the problem with this being that marijuana metabolites can last up to six weeks, even though the effects of the drug only last for a few hours.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

They cite the problems that face all renters: lack of affordable housing and rent rises, landlords refusing people claiming housing benefit.

The Guardian

Beddington cites the problem that the UK doesn't own the data again.

The Guardian

She also cited the problem of Czech parents' asking that their children be removed from classes with Roma.

The New York Times

The president often cites the problem on the campaign trail and links it to his call for limiting the amount patients can recover in medical liability suits.

The New York Times

But one financier, the hedge fund manager Douglas A. Kass, announced over the weekend that he was taking an extended leave of absence from Twitter, citing the problem of "haters".

The New York Times

President Bush, citing the problem of verifying any agreement, has suspended talks pending the completion of a review of policy toward North Korea.

The New York Times

To back up his false claim, Donnelly cited the problem of gangs violence.

Huffington Post

President Laurent Gbagbo had said on Oct. 30 that the vote would be delayed, citing the problems with the voting lists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, prefer "cite the problem" when you need to accurately reference an issue that has been previously identified or discussed.

Common error

Avoid merely mentioning the problem without elaborating on its implications or potential solutions. Always aim to offer deeper insights when you "cite the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cite the problem" functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce or reference an issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is correct and used in written English when a speaker or writer needs to call attention to a specific problem.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cite the problem" is a grammatically correct and useful way to reference or mention a specific issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. While alternatives such as ""identify the problem"" or ""mention the problem"" may offer subtle differences in meaning, "cite the problem" is a direct and effective way to introduce a topic for discussion or analysis. Remember to provide sufficient detail and context when using the phrase to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cite the issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", offering a slightly more neutral connotation.

identify the problem

Focuses on the act of recognizing the problem, rather than just mentioning it.

cite the challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing the issue as something to be overcome.

refer to the problem

Uses "refer to" instead of "cite", providing a more general way to mention the problem.

mention the problem

A more basic way of saying that the problem is brought up or alluded to.

enumerate the problem

Suggests listing or detailing the problem's various aspects.

highlight the problem

Emphasizes bringing attention to the problem, making it more noticeable.

address the problem

Shifts the focus to dealing with or resolving the problem, rather than simply citing it.

acknowledge the problem

Implies admitting that the problem exists or is important.

detail the problem

Focuses on describing the problem with greater precision and thoroughness.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cite the problem"?

To "cite the problem" means to refer to or mention a specific issue or difficulty. It involves bringing attention to a problem, often in the context of analysis, discussion, or problem-solving.

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

You can use "cite the problem" to introduce a known issue. For example, "In the report, the author had to "cite the problem" of inadequate funding as a major obstacle to project success."

What are some alternatives to "cite the problem"?

Alternatives to "cite the problem" include "identify the problem", "mention the problem", or "refer to the problem", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "cite the problem" or "address the problem"?

Whether you should "cite the problem" or "address the problem" depends on the context. "Cite the problem" is about mentioning or acknowledging an issue, while "address the problem" is about taking action to resolve it.