examine the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examine the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone should take a closer look at a problem in order to gain a better understanding of it. For example: "We can't solve the problem until we have examined it in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We then examine the problem of "minimal change".

Artificial Intelligence

An engineering professor at the University of California at Berkeley has been hired to examine the problem.

The New York Times

At the Guardian, we felt it was high time to examine the problem rather than turn away.

The Guardian - Tech

In between, people sit down and force themselves to examine the problem from a variety of fresh angles.

Harvard Business Review

At the senator's urging, Mr. Holder promised to send a top-level official to Newburgh to examine the problem.

The New York Times

We examine the problem of supporting access by collaborations of scientists to Grid resources.

Future Generation Computer Systems

The decline is referred to as "handle up, purses down," and the N.T.R.A. formed a task force last month to examine the problem.

The New York Times - Sports

In this paper we examine the problem of absorption of two gases in an inert liquid with simultaneous chemical reaction.

Chemical Engineering Science

Summary: In this activity, students will examine the problem of waste in their community and the effectiveness of the current recycling options.

Stanford University

We examine the problem of characterizing the variability of measured packet-arrival processes produced by individual workstations in a local-area network.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The White House pressed the Pentagon to re-examine the problem, but it only seemed to get worse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "examine the problem", ensure you clearly define the scope of the problem to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify which aspects you intend to investigate or what specific questions you aim to answer.

Common error

Avoid using "examine the problem" without providing context or specifics. This can lead to vague discussions and a lack of actionable insights. Always follow up with a clear indication of what aspects of the problem will be examined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examine the problem" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a thorough investigation or analysis. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and commonly used expression, indicating its acceptability in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "examine the problem" is a versatile and commonly used expression that introduces a thorough investigation or analysis of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It functions as a verb phrase with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, it's important to define the scope of the problem clearly to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "investigate the issue" or "analyze the situation" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance. In conclusion, "examine the problem" is a reliable and effective way to initiate a detailed exploration of an issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigate the issue

Replaces "examine" with "investigate", focusing on a systematic or formal inquiry.

analyze the situation

Substitutes "problem" with "situation", broadening the scope of the investigation to include the surrounding context.

assess the difficulty

Replaces "examine" with "assess" and "problem" with "difficulty", highlighting the evaluation of the challenges involved.

study the matter

Uses "study" instead of "examine", suggesting a more in-depth and academic approach.

explore the question

Replaces "problem" with "question", framing the examination as an inquiry or exploration.

scrutinize the challenge

Employs "scrutinize" to convey a more critical and detailed examination of a "challenge."

delve into the predicament

Uses "delve into" to suggest a deeper, more thorough investigation of a "predicament".

probe the dilemma

Replaces "examine" with "probe" and "problem" with "dilemma", suggesting a careful and thorough investigation of a complex situation.

review the circumstances

Substitutes "examine" with "review" and "problem" with "circumstances", suggesting a broader look at the surrounding factors.

look into the matter

Offers a more informal alternative, suggesting a less rigorous investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "examine the problem" to introduce a detailed analysis or investigation. For example, "Before implementing a solution, we must first "examine the problem" thoroughly."

What are some alternatives to "examine the problem"?

Alternatives include "investigate the issue", "analyze the situation", or "assess the difficulty". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "examine the problem" formal or informal?

"Examine the problem" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "scrutinize the challenge" or "delve into the predicament".

What does it mean to "examine the problem"?

To "examine the problem" means to investigate it closely, analyze its components, and try to understand its causes and potential solutions. It involves a systematic and thorough approach to understanding the issue at hand.