discovered the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discovered the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of finding or identifying an issue or difficulty that was previously unknown or unnoticed. Example: "After reviewing the data, the team discovered the problem that was causing the system to malfunction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then I discovered the problem.

The Guardian - Money

A worker at the assembly plant discovered the problem.

The New York Times

A supplier discovered the problem, G.M. told the safety agency.

The New York Times

Google said it had discovered the problem after German regulators started an inquiry.

The New York Times - Tech

It told the safety agency it discovered the problem during endurance testing of a 2012 model.

The New York Times

Federal agents processing a renewal request for his passport discovered the problem.

The New York Times

The automaker told N.H.T.S.A. it discovered the problem at its assembly plant.

The New York Times

When her family took her to a clinic, doctors discovered the problem and she "confessed".

The New York Times

G.M. said it discovered the problem after investigating an unusually large number of warranty claims.

The New York Times

It was during one such check that the agency discovered the problem with the Fit Sport.

The New York Times

Ducati said it discovered the problem during a quality-control check.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "identified the issue" or "detected the flaw" if you want to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice excessively. Instead of "The problem was discovered by the team", opt for the active voice: "The team discovered the problem." This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discovered the problem" functions as a statement of finding or identifying an issue. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness, evident from the numerous examples across diverse sources. It generally describes the act of becoming aware of something previously unknown.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discovered the problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the act of identifying an issue or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity with numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. While synonyms like "identified the issue" and "detected the flaw" offer alternatives, the phrase remains a clear and effective way to communicate the finding of a problem. Remember to use the active voice for greater impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identified the issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", offering a slightly more formal tone.

uncovered the difficulty

Substitutes "discovered" with "uncovered" and "problem" with "difficulty", emphasizing the revealing aspect.

detected the flaw

Replaces "problem" with "flaw", suggesting a defect or imperfection was found.

found the source of the error

Similar to "ascertained the source of trouble" but uses more common vocabulary.

diagnosed the root cause

Implies a more technical or analytical approach to identifying the problem.

pinpointed the defect

Suggests a precise and accurate identification of the problem.

ascertained the source of trouble

More verbose and formal, specifying the discovery of the origin of the issue.

became aware of the complication

Highlights the realization of a complex issue.

recognized the challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing the situation as something to be overcome.

stumbled upon the solution

Indicates that the discovery was accidental or unexpected, focusing on the positive outcome.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "discovered the problem"?

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

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

Here's an example: "After reviewing the data, the team discovered the problem that was causing the system to malfunction."

Is "discovered the problem" formal or informal?

"Discovered the problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider alternatives like "ascertained the issue".

What is the difference between "discovered the problem" and "solved the problem"?

"Discovered the problem" refers to the act of identifying an issue, while "solved the problem" refers to finding a resolution or fix for it. They are sequential actions in problem-solving.