detected a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detected a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that an issue has been identified or found, often in technical or troubleshooting contexts. Example: "The system has detected a problem with the network connection, and we need to investigate further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

The doctors then detected a problem with the levels of protein in his spinal fluid and determined he had a viral infection in his spinal cord.

The New York Times

[C14.] Volkswagen Recalls 130,000 Cars Volkswagen said that it was recalling 130,000 cars, many of them in America, after it detected a problem with the brakes.

The New York Times

A routine checkup at the county's medical services unit detected a problem with her thyroid that was diagnosed in 2012 as cancer.

The Washington Post

Once, she said, a nurse from the Everett clinic called at 5 p.m. on a Friday and told her that an ultrasound had detected a problem in the baby's heart.

The New York Times

It is sometimes associated with an injury to the carotid, like a dissection or tumor, but several scans had not detected a problem like that.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

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

When using "detected a problem", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of problem was identified and, if possible, the method of detection.

Common error

Avoid using "detected a problem" without specifying the nature of the problem. Always provide details to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detected a problem" functions as a verb phrase indicating the discovery or identification of an issue. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, from technical malfunctions to health concerns. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "detected a problem" is a grammatically correct way to express the discovery of an issue or fault. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not extremely frequent, it's a useful phrase to indicate that something has been identified as not working correctly. For clarity, always specify the nature of the problem when using this phrase. Consider alternatives like "identified an issue" or "discovered a fault" for slight variations in meaning or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identified an issue

More generic; suitable for various contexts where a problem is recognized.

discovered a fault

Implies a malfunction or defect was found.

noticed a difficulty

Emphasizes the recognition of something causing trouble.

uncovered an error

Suggests a mistake or inaccuracy was revealed.

recognized an anomaly

Highlights something deviating from the norm.

spotted a glitch

Informal; refers to a minor malfunction.

ascertained an irregularity

Formal; implies careful investigation revealed something out of order.

found a complication

Indicates a factor making something more difficult.

revealed a weakness

Highlights the uncovering of a vulnerability.

diagnosed a malfunction

Typically used in technical or medical contexts.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "detected a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "identified an issue", "discovered a fault", or "noticed a difficulty" depending on the context.

How to use "detected a problem" in a sentence?

Use "detected a problem" to indicate that an issue or fault has been identified. For example, "The system detected a problem with the connection." or "The engineer detected a problem in the engine.".

Is "detected a problem" formal or informal?

The phrase "detected a problem" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "ascertained an irregularity" might be preferred in highly formal settings.

What is the difference between "detected a problem" and "caused a problem"?

"Detected a problem" means to have identified an existing issue. "Caused a problem" means to have created or initiated an issue. They have opposite meanings.