discovering a solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discovering a solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of finding or identifying a resolution to a problem or challenge. Example: "After several brainstorming sessions, the team is finally discovering a solution to the ongoing issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But he threw himself into discovering a solution.

The New Yorker

And the soprano always seems to be circling, repeating, singing again and again of voices while the baritone's trajectory is more a line, a journey, a process of pinpointing a mystery if not discovering a solution.

The New York Times - Arts

This group interaction increases their sense of investment in discovering a solution to the problem at hand.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

And a Harvard Medical School study came to the conclusion that "a night of sleep after being exposed to a class of mathematical problems more than doubles the likelihood of discovering" a solution.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And I'm not going to close down the local abattoir by trying to discover a solution or a reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this month she discovered a solution: a community identification card issued by a coalition of civic groups and endorsed by Trenton and Mercer County officials.

The New York Times

Given that medical professionals have pondered the problem for centuries, it's ironic that I — a person who is not a doctor and, indeed, is barely even a dentist — have finally discovered a solution.

The New Yorker

The agents must instead discover a solution on their own, using learning.

Procedia Computer Science

Since then GM has discovered a solution: offer these people a large sum of money to go away.

Forbes

Last fall he discovered a solution now being tested on the J.Crew site; a formal rollout is set for June.

Forbes

Scientific researchers working with nanoparticles, 1/100th the size of a red blood cell, may have discovered a solution to chemo's "solution" problem.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about problem-solving, use "discovering a solution" to highlight a process of exploration and revelation, rather than a simple fix. It’s particularly useful when the solution was not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "discovering a solution" when a simpler phrase like "finding a solution" would suffice. Overusing "discovering" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Opt for straightforward language when the context doesn't require the nuance of discovery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discovering a solution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. It describes the act of finding or identifying a way to resolve a problem. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discovering a solution" is grammatically correct and used to denote the successful outcome of a problem-solving process, particularly when it involves investigation and exploration. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase, often the object of a verb, and is appropriate for a neutral register. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "finding a solution", it adds nuance by emphasizing the effort involved in uncovering a resolution. It is often used in news, science, and wiki contexts. Therefore, use it judiciously to highlight the investigative aspect of problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding a resolution

Emphasizes the act of resolving an issue rather than just finding a solution.

identifying a resolution

Focuses on the act of pinpointing a resolution, suggesting a more analytical approach.

uncovering a solution

Suggests a process of revealing a solution that was previously hidden or unknown.

devising a solution

Highlights the creation or invention of a solution, rather than simply finding one that already exists.

formulating a solution

Implies a more structured and methodical process of creating a solution.

pioneering a solution

Suggests being the first to find or develop a particular solution.

stumbling upon a solution

Indicates finding a solution by chance or unexpectedly.

conceiving a solution

Focuses on the mental process of imagining or developing a solution.

locating a solution

Emphasizes the act of finding the whereabouts of an existing solution.

pinpointing a solution

Highlights the precision and accuracy in identifying a solution.

FAQs

How can I use "discovering a solution" in a sentence?

You can use "discovering a solution" to emphasize the investigative or exploratory nature of problem-solving. For example, "The team spent months researching before "discovering a solution" that addressed all the key issues."

What is a good alternative to "discovering a solution"?

Alternatives to "discovering a solution" include "finding a solution", "identifying a resolution", or "devising a solution", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "discovering a solution" or "finding a solution"?

"Discovering a solution" suggests a more involved process of exploration and revelation, while "finding a solution" is a more general term. Choose "discovering" when you want to emphasize the investigative nature of finding the solution.

What does "discovering a solution" imply that "finding a solution" does not?

"Discovering a solution" suggests that the solution was not readily apparent and required significant effort or investigation to uncover. "Finding a solution" is a broader term that doesn't necessarily imply the same level of complexity or effort.