explain the problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify or describe issues or difficulties related to a specific topic or situation. Example: "In our meeting, I would like you to explain the problems we are facing with the current project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Can you explain the problems?

The New Yorker

"There's only one positive: it allows me to explain the problems in my country".

The Guardian - Film

"When they identify problems, our job is to stand firm and explain the problems away.

The New York Times

He tried to explain the problems that had caused his trade to Utah to be voided.

The New York Times - Sports

"Typically companies need to not only explain the problems they're solving, but how they are uniquely doing that.

The Guardian

But this is not enough to explain the problems phytoremediation has had putting down roots in France.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

How to explain the problem, asked Justin Webb.

The Guardian

This post will explain the problem and the apparent disagreement.

The Washington Post

"Explain the problem to the American people, and keep explaining it and explaining it".

The Economist

Doctors call them aphthous ulcers, but the name doesn't explain the problem.

Harvard University

Good points – but why only released yesterday to explain the problem?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the problems", ensure you provide enough context so your audience understands the specific situation you're addressing.

Common error

Avoid using "explain the problems" without specifying which problems you're referring to. Be specific to ensure clarity for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the problems" serves as an imperative request or a statement of intent to clarify issues. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across various contexts, confirming its broad applicability. It prompts or states the action of providing reasons or details regarding existing difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain the problems" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, as indicated by Ludwig. It serves the purpose of seeking or providing clarification about existing difficulties. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for clear communication across various settings. Considering its high frequency and straightforward nature, using "explain the problems" is an effective way to address the need for understanding and clarifying specific issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the issues

This alternative focuses on making the issues more understandable, similar to explaining.

describe the difficulties

This phrase emphasizes a detailed account of the difficulties, akin to explaining their nature.

outline the challenges

This option suggests presenting a structured overview of the challenges, similar to explaining.

detail the complications

This phrase highlights the complexities and provides a thorough explanation.

elucidate the predicaments

This alternative focuses on shedding light on and clarifying the problematic situations.

spell out the troubles

This phrase suggests explaining the troubles in a very clear and explicit manner.

break down the snags

This option focuses on disassembling the snags into smaller, more understandable parts.

shed light on the obstacles

This phrase emphasizes revealing and clarifying the obstacles.

give reasons for the difficulties

This alternative directly asks for providing justifications or causes for the difficulties.

analyze the issues

This suggests a more in-depth examination of the issues rather than a simple explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "explain the problems" in a sentence?

You can use "explain the problems" to ask someone to clarify issues. For instance, "Could you please explain the problems with the new software update?"

What are some alternatives to "explain the problems"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify the issues", "describe the difficulties", or "outline the challenges" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "explains the problems"?

Yes, "explains the problems" is correct when referring to a singular subject. For example, "This report explains the problems in detail."

What is the difference between "explain the problems" and "address the problems"?

"Explain the problems" focuses on clarifying the issues, while "address the problems" implies taking action to solve them. You might first "explain the problems" and then "address the problems".