clearly state the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearly state the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to articulate an issue in a straightforward and unambiguous manner. Example: "In your report, please clearly state the problem you are addressing to ensure everyone understands the main issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the international level there is much talk of the conflict as a problem, and one United Nations report after another has clearly stated the problem.

The New York Times

With Buckley's help Goldwater wrote the following letter that ran in the pages of the National Review: "I think you have clearly stated the problem which Mr. Welch's continued leadership of the John Birch Society poses for sincere conservatives.

Forbes

Often, clearly stating the problem will lead to possible courses of action: Look at whatever project you're putting off.

WikiHow

After you've clearly stated the problem at hand, of course.[1] Include photos or a video if it would benefit your work to be persuasive and personalized.

WikiHow

Nevertheless, we believe the proposed framework is a useful basis to clearly state the design problem and develop more systematic search methods.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Since then, multiple studies have shown that providers' failure to clearly state the reason for referral (a problem identified in 20-88% of referrals [ 7, 8, 21, 50]) remains a major barrier to effective referral communication [ 20, 66].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

"Direct response television campaigns such as the one featuring baby Miles in a cot, that clearly and simply state the problem of child abuse and the need for people to donate in a clear and powerful way, have been proven to resonate most with our donors," Farthing says.

The Guardian

As Reich pointed out, "It's the first time (Obama) or any other president has clearly stated the long-term structural problem that's been widening the gap between the very top and everyone else for thirty years".

The New Yorker

He's absolutely right – and it's the first time he or any other president has clearly stated the long-term structural problem that's been widening the gap between the very top and everyone else for thirty years – the breaking of the basic bargain linking pay to productivity gains.

University of California, Berkeley

He's absolutely right -- and it's the first time he or any other president has clearly stated the long-term structural problem that's been widening the gap between the very top and everyone else for thirty years -- the breaking of the basic bargain linking pay to productivity gains.

Huffington Post

In the face of an ethical problem, bioethicists can be helpful by presenting the relevant facts, clearly stating the nature of the ethical problem, analyzing the conflicting values at stake, and placing the problem in its historical, legal, social, religious and cultural context.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a complex issue, use "clearly state the problem" early in your communication to ensure everyone understands the central challenge before diving into details.

Common error

Ensure your problem statement is specific and avoids ambiguity. Instead of a general statement, clearly define the core issue and its impact to guide effective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearly state the problem" functions as an imperative, urging someone to articulate an issue with precision and clarity. Ludwig provides examples showing this phrase used to emphasize the need for unambiguous communication, particularly in professional and academic settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clearly state the problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative that urges precise and unambiguous articulation of an issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, it aims to ensure understanding and facilitate effective problem-solving across various contexts, particularly in professional and academic settings. While adaptable, its inherent emphasis on precision makes it more suitable for formal communication. Alternative phrases such as "articulate the problem clearly" or "define the problem precisely" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using the phrase, ensure that your problem statement is specific and avoids any ambiguity to guide effective solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate the problem clearly

Emphasizes the skill of expressing the problem in a clear and understandable manner.

define the problem precisely

Focuses on providing an exact and accurate definition of the problem.

clearly define the issue

Similar to defining the problem, but uses 'issue' as a substitute.

express the problem unambiguously

Highlights the importance of avoiding any ambiguity in the problem's expression.

present the problem lucidly

Focuses on making the problem easy to understand through clear presentation.

outline the problem explicitly

Suggests providing a detailed and clear outline of the problem.

succinctly state the challenge

Emphasizes brevity and conciseness in stating the problem.

formulate the problem clearly

Focuses on the process of formulating or structuring the problem statement.

lay out the problem plainly

Suggests presenting the problem in a straightforward and uncomplicated way.

specify the problem distinctly

Highlights the need for a distinct and well-defined problem specification.

FAQs

How can I ensure I "clearly state the problem" in a report?

Start with a concise summary of the issue, providing necessary context before delving into details. Focus on the core challenge and its direct consequences.

What does it mean to "clearly state the problem" in a project proposal?

It means articulating the central issue your project aims to address, its significance, and why it requires attention. Be specific and avoid broad generalizations.

What's the difference between "identify the problem" and "clearly state the problem"?

"Identify the problem" refers to the process of discovering the issue, while "clearly state the problem" refers to articulating it in a way that is easily understood. The latter assumes the problem is already known.

What alternatives can I use to "clearly state the problem" in a presentation?

Consider alternatives like "articulate the issue clearly", "define the problem precisely", or "express the problem unambiguously" depending on the context and desired emphasis.