clarify the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"clarify the problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when someone wants more information or a better understanding of a problem or situation. Example: "Before we can come up with a solution, we need to clarify the problem. Can you provide more details or examples?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Dettori betrayed exasperation when asked to clarify the problem yesterday.

Independent

Dr. Fallon argues that the current study does not clarify the problem of patients in whom the disease persists but whose symptoms are not recognized or treated, with severe consequences, for long periods after the symptoms first appear.

The New York Times

It is often the way of things that new brooms see intricate solutions simply as mess, and rather than accepting that they came about in response to intangibly impossible questions, conclude that they must be evidence of bad management: simplify the solution and you'll clarify the problem.

Independent

To clarify the problem and the proposed algorithm, we give the following definitions.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In this section, we first clarify the problem definition and notations used in this paper.

Data Science and Engineering

In Section "Problem statement" we clarify the problem statement and recapitulate the main result of (Ortega and Braun [2010b]).

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In order to break through this situation, this paper aims to clarify the problems regarding current research into PSS design.

Procedia CIRP

"Neither of us, I think, underestimates the difficulties; but our talks at Chequers have helped to clarify the problems and the good-will between us is a solid foundation on which to build," she wrote.

BBC

She let us solve and clarify the problems by ourselves.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

(student 1) She let us solve and clarify the problems by ourselves.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Audiovisual techniques, such as videotapes and PowerPoint presentations, were used to illustrate cases, clarify the problems and promote interaction.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarify the problem", ensure you follow up with specific actions to achieve clarity, such as asking targeted questions or providing detailed explanations.

Common error

Avoid simply stating the need to "clarify the problem" without actually attempting to do so. Always provide additional context, questions, or analyses to genuinely enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify the problem" functions as a directive, often used to initiate a discussion or investigation aimed at achieving a better understanding of a specific issue. It calls for making something clearer or more easily understood. Ludwig confirms that it is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clarify the problem" is a directive used to emphasize the need for a clearer understanding of an issue. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. Effective use of this phrase involves not only stating the need for clarification but also taking active steps to achieve it, such as asking targeted questions or providing detailed analyses. While suitable for various settings, including professional and informal communication, it is crucial to avoid mere statements of intent without subsequent actions to genuinely enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define the problem

Emphasizes setting the boundaries and characteristics of the problem.

explain the problem

Focuses on providing a detailed account of the problem.

elucidate the problem

Implies bringing light or clarity to a complex problem.

illuminate the problem

Suggests revealing the underlying nature of the problem.

spell out the problem

Highlights making the problem exceptionally clear and explicit.

delineate the problem

Suggests outlining the problem with precision.

unravel the problem

Focuses on disentangling a complicated problem to understand it better.

sort out the problem

Implies organizing and resolving the confusion surrounding the problem.

get to the bottom of the problem

Focuses on finding the root cause or fundamental nature of the problem.

understand the problem

Emphasizes gaining a comprehensive grasp of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "clarify the problem" to introduce the act of making an issue more understandable, such as: "Before we proceed, let's "clarify the problem" to ensure everyone is on the same page."

What can I say instead of "clarify the problem"?

Alternatives include "define the problem", "explain the problem", or "elucidate the problem", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "clarify the problem"?

It is appropriate to use "clarify the problem" when there is a need to make an issue more understandable, either because it is complex, poorly defined, or misunderstood.

What is the difference between ""clarify the problem"" and "solve the problem"?

"Clarify the problem" means to make the issue more understandable, while "solve the problem" means to find a solution to the issue.