discovered a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discovered a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that an issue or difficulty has been found or identified in a particular context, such as a project, research, or analysis. Example: "During the review of the project, we discovered a problem that needed immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But then we discovered a problem with the floor of his car".

Independent

If Strachan was planning on doing the same, he soon discovered a problem.

The Guardian - Sport

When Paul Degnan decided to run in the Chicago marathon in 2005, he quickly discovered a problem.

The New York Times

The other 680 were initiated by the automakers after they discovered a problem and, as the law requires, reported it.

The New York Times

"We're in the process of interviewing students". He said teachers discovered a problem earlier this week and brought it to the attention of the school's administration.

The Washington Post

In fleshing out this radical worldview, Heisenberg discovered a problem in the way that the basic physical properties of a particle in a quantum system could be measured.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Don't cut and run when you discover a problem.

The Guardian

"If we did discover a problem, we could resume containment operations," he said.

The New York Times

Season 5, episode 15, written by David Mirkin Nasa discovers a problem: its astronauts aren't relatable enough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If we did, we might discover a problem tucked inside it: defining intelligence is far from straightforward.

MIT Technology Review

Cindy McCain was new to Washington and not yet 30 when she arrived at a luncheon for Congressional spouses to discover a problem with her name tag.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discovered a problem", provide a solution after. Do not leave the reader wondering.

Common error

Avoid stating simply that you "discovered a problem" without providing any details. Always specify what the problem is and its significance. If you do not explain why the problem is important, the reader might assume that there is no reason to pay attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discovered a problem" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the finding or identification of an issue. It often serves as an introduction to a discussion or explanation of the problem, as Ludwig's examples illustrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discovered a problem" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the identification of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about the problem to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "identified an issue" or "detected an anomaly" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase serves to inform, set the stage for discussion, and invites for further actions or discussion. The phrase appears in many authoritative sources like The New York Times or BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identified an issue

Focuses on the act of pinpointing a matter of concern, removing the specific element of surprise or uncovering that "discovered" implies.

detected an anomaly

Highlights the identification of something irregular or deviating from the norm, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

uncovered a difficulty

Emphasizes the act of revealing a challenge that was previously hidden or not obvious.

encountered a setback

Focuses on experiencing an obstacle that hinders progress, framing the problem as an impediment.

recognized a flaw

Stresses the acknowledgement of an imperfection or defect, often in a design or system.

found a complication

Highlights the presence of a factor that makes something more difficult or complex.

ascertained an error

Emphasizes the process of determining or confirming that a mistake has occurred.

revealed a shortcoming

Highlights the disclosure of a deficiency or inadequacy.

diagnosed a malfunction

Implies a thorough examination leading to the identification of a failure to function properly, often in a mechanical or technical context.

spotted a snag

Indicates the casual or immediate observation of a small issue or impediment.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "identified an issue", "detected an anomaly", or "uncovered a difficulty" depending on the context.

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

Use "discovered a problem" to introduce an issue that was previously unknown or unnoticed. For example, "During the experiment, we discovered a problem with the control group".

Is it better to use "discovered a problem" or "identified a problem"?

Both phrases are correct, but "discovered a problem" implies an element of surprise or uncovering something previously hidden, while "identified a problem" simply means pinpointing an issue.

What's the difference between "discovered a problem" and "became a problem"?

"Discovered a problem" indicates the act of finding an existing issue, whereas "became a problem" suggests that something has evolved into an issue over time.