detect a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"detect a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of identifying a problem, often one that requires further thought or investigation. For example, "The engine diagnostics system was able to detect a problem with the brakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This sample is far too small to detect a problem that might be small but growing.

The New York Times

Some sensors, for example, may detect a problem just because the material was sitting in the sun all day, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

And when a phone does detect a problem and asks the base station to resend garbled or lost data, HSDPA responds much faster than 3G.

MIT Technology Review

But the amount of disruption is influenced by other factors, notably the time it takes for the authorities to detect a problem, and then the time it takes to clear the obstruction.

The New York Times

Instead of a line worker reporting a problem to a foreman, who then calls a repairman, the company's sensors detect a problem and immediately inform the manufacturer, who sends technicians to fix it.

Harvard Business Review

"A historian has the right to detect a problem where a judge might find an 'absence of grounds for proceeding,' " he said.Although the holes in the Sofri case invite rich historical speculation, Mr. Ginzburg argues, within a court of law they could tip the scales in favor of the presumption of innocence.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In the ocean of sound that ebbs and flows, she detects a problem.

The New York Times

If a nurse detects a problem, she calls in Ms. Bourne.

The New York Times

Shortly after arriving, the couple detected a problem with uneven heat.

The New York Times

But after tapping mannishly at the fixtures, the husband detects a problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

If ACIS detects a problem with the bias, it will set the bias value to 4094 or 4095.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "detect a problem" when you want to emphasize the act of discovering or identifying an issue that may not be immediately obvious. For instance, "The security system can detect a problem before it escalates."

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who or what is doing the detecting. For example, instead of "A problem was detected," specify who or what detected it: "The engineer detected a problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detect a problem" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. The verb "detect" indicates the action of discovering or identifying something, and "a problem" serves as the object of this action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "detect a problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the identification of an issue or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is versatile enough to be used in a wide range of contexts, from formal scientific reports to everyday news articles. While alternatives like "identify an issue" or "recognize a fault" exist, "detect a problem" often carries a nuance of uncovering something that wasn't immediately apparent. When writing, focus on clearly specifying who or what is doing the detecting to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "detect a problem" is a reliable and effective phrase for conveying the discovery of an issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify an issue

Focuses on recognizing the existence of a problem, without necessarily implying discovery.

recognize a fault

Highlights the acknowledgment of an imperfection or defect.

spot a defect

Emphasizes visually noticing an imperfection or flaw.

uncover a difficulty

Suggests revealing a problem that was previously hidden or not obvious.

diagnose an issue

Implies a more formal or technical assessment of a problem, often in medical or technical contexts.

determine an anomaly

Highlights identifying something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

perceive a challenge

Focuses on understanding and acknowledging a difficult situation.

notice an irregularity

Highlights observing something that is not in accordance with rules or principles.

discern a complication

Emphasizes the ability to see or understand something that is complex or obscure.

sense a glitch

Suggests a subtle or intuitive awareness of a minor malfunction or problem.

FAQs

What does "detect a problem" mean?

The phrase "detect a problem" means to identify or discover an issue, fault, or difficulty that may not be immediately apparent. It implies an active process of observation or investigation.

How can I use "detect a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "detect a problem" in a sentence to describe the act of identifying an issue. For example, "The sensors are designed to "detect a problem" before it causes significant damage."

What are some alternatives to "detect a problem"?

Alternatives to "detect a problem" include "identify an issue", "recognize a fault", or "spot a defect", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "detect a problem" or "identify a problem"?

Both "detect a problem" and "identify a problem" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Detect" suggests uncovering something hidden, while "identify" simply means recognizing what it is.