containing the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "containing the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that includes or encompasses a specific issue or difficulty. Example: "The report is lengthy, but it contains the problem that needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Rather than containing the problem, it had made it worse.

The Guardian - Books

At least we're containing the problem," says Andrew Abrahams, an oyster farmer and one of the founders of the project to tackle the species on Colonsay.

The Guardian

Yet after a decade or more of this strategy, many in the addiction field began to question the moral and social costs of merely containing the problem instead of treating the underlying issues.

Independent

Yet, he concedes, it looks unlikely that quantum parallelism can breach the complexity class containing the problem of the proverbial traveling salesman (who is looking for the shortest itinerary through a list of cities) and the problem of protein folding in the cell -- let alone the still harder class into which mathematical theorem proving and (probably) chess playing fall.

The New York Times - Books

The new research adds to that finding, by showing in detail how current choices on building new energy and industrial infrastructure are likely to commit the world to much higher emissions for the next few decades, blowing apart hopes of containing the problem to manageable levels.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When asked about Baltimore last week, President Obama said this: "... if we think that we're just gonna send the police to do the dirty work of containing the problems that arise (in our inner cities), without as a nation and as a society saying what can we do to change those communities... then we're not gonna solve this problem".

Huffington Post

Nobody knew how to contain the problem".

The New York Times

Deleting a single video can't contain the problem — or hold off its triumph.

The New Yorker

Until a proper vaccine is developed, patients could use inexpensive antiviral drugs to contain the problem.

The Economist

Hewlett-Packard, Dell and Apple have notified customers that their machines contained the problem with Nvidia chips.

Independent

"It will do nothing to contain the problem and probably make it worse," said one, Sujoy Chaudhuri.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "containing the problem" when you want to emphasize limiting or managing a specific issue to prevent it from escalating or spreading. It suggests a proactive approach to keeping a situation under control.

Common error

While "containing the problem" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced vocabulary might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "mitigating the challenge" or "addressing the difficulty" for added sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "containing the problem" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the object of a sentence or preposition. It describes the action of limiting or controlling an issue, which is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "containing the problem" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the action of limiting or managing a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively uncommon, it appears primarily in news and scientific contexts. For more formal or nuanced writing, consider alternatives such as "managing the issue" or "addressing the difficulty". Use the phrase to emphasize proactive control and prevention of escalation. Overall, it is a useful phrase for conveying the act of limiting or controlling a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managing the issue

Replaces "containing" with "managing", focusing on overseeing and directing the problem.

controlling the situation

Shifts from "problem" to "situation", emphasizing control over the broader context.

addressing the difficulty

Uses "addressing" instead of "containing", highlighting the act of dealing with the problem.

limiting the scope of the problem

Adds specificity by focusing on reducing the problem's extent or impact.

mitigating the challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge" and "containing" with "mitigating", softening the negative connotation.

curbing the issue

Replaces "containing" with "curbing", focusing on restraining or checking the problem.

holding back the trouble

Uses more informal terms like "trouble" and "holding back" to convey a similar meaning.

restricting the development of the problem

Focuses on preventing the problem from worsening or expanding.

checking the growth of the problem

Highlights monitoring and controlling the increase or spread of the problem.

handling the matter

Replaces "containing" with "handling" and "problem" with "matter", offering a more general alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "containing the problem" to describe actions taken to limit or manage an issue, such as: "The government is implementing new policies aimed at containing the problem of rising unemployment."

What are some alternatives to "containing the problem"?

Alternatives include "managing the issue", "addressing the difficulty", or "limiting the scope of the problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "containing the problem" formal or informal?

"Containing the problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the specific audience and purpose to determine if a more precise or nuanced phrase would be more effective.

What does it mean to "contain the problem"?

To "contain the problem" means to keep it within certain limits, prevent it from spreading, or manage it effectively so it does not worsen or cause further issues.