determine the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'determine the problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to the process of identifying the cause of an issue. For example, "The first step is to determine the problem so that we can fix it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The sleep program starts with a doctor's consultation to determine the problem, followed by nighttime observation.

The New York Times - Style

The next thing you should check to determine the problem is the: a. Air compressor.

The New York Times

To make a sale, you need to determine the problem you can help a prospect solve.

Harvard Business Review

The operators, therefore, were unable to determine the problem immediately, and this led to a much larger accident.

The New York Times

When Mr. Alcorn went to fix it, it did not take him long to determine the problem: It was so full of quarters that no more could fit.

The New York Times

Q. Whom do I contact if I am having problems with the instructor? A. Please contact Alyssa Navallo at [email protected] immediately to help us determine the problem.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The first stage is to determine the problems to which the attention of psychological investigators should be directed.

Nature

Think-aloud protocols were collected to determine the problem-solving strategy used by experts and non-experts in answering Gastroenterology questions, across the two pencil-and-paper formats.

BMC Medical Education

A focus group session was conducted to determine the problems faced by the students.

BMC Cancer

Regarding the recurrence rate, it is too soon to determine the problems that may appear in the long term for those patients treated in the CCH group.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The specialist does not read every discharge summary but at its best, the document should reflect the essence of what the specialist, the doctor with the most knowledge and perspective, determined the problem to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about problem-solving, use "determine the problem" to emphasize the initial step of identifying the issue before proposing solutions. This clarifies the focus of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "determine the problem" when you actually mean to discuss the solutions. "Determine the problem" focuses solely on identification, not resolution.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "determine the problem" is as a verbal phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence or clause, indicating the action of identifying a specific issue. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts to highlight this initial step in problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

26%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

9%

Science & Research

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determine the problem" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that refers to the act of identifying an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember that it focuses on the identification phase, not the solution. Consider alternatives like "diagnose the issue" for a more formal tone or "identify the root cause" to emphasize a deeper investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify the root cause

Focuses on finding the fundamental reason behind the problem, implying a deeper investigation.

diagnose the issue

More formal and often used in technical or medical contexts, suggesting a precise assessment.

pinpoint the source of the trouble

Emphasizes locating the origin or cause of the problem, often used in troubleshooting situations.

ascertain the difficulty

More formal and emphasizes the challenge or obstacle presented by the problem.

recognize the underlying issue

Focuses on acknowledging a less obvious or fundamental problem.

uncover the reason for the glitch

Informal, suitable for technical problems or minor issues.

analyze the situation

Implies a more comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding the problem.

understand the complexity

Highlights the need to grasp the multifaceted nature of the problem.

decipher the puzzle

Suggests the problem is intricate and requires careful thought to solve.

get to the bottom of the matter

Informal, emphasizes a thorough investigation to find the truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "determine the problem" to describe the act of identifying the cause of an issue, as in, "The first step in fixing the machine is to determine the problem".

What is a more formal way to say "determine the problem"?

A more formal alternative to "determine the problem" is "diagnose the issue", often used in technical or medical contexts.

Which is correct, "determine the problem" or "determine what is the problem"?

"Determine the problem" is more concise and direct. "Determine what is the problem" is grammatically correct but can sound wordy in many contexts.

What's the difference between "determine the problem" and "solve the problem"?

"Determine the problem" refers to identifying the issue, while "solve the problem" refers to finding a solution to the already identified issue.