handle a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'handle a problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how a particular person or organization deals with a difficult or challenging situation. For example, "The CEO was praised for the way she handled the problem quickly and effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The original holiday was meant to handle a problem of long working hours and no time off.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's one thing to handle a problem in your own living room, where only your family knows.

The New York Times - Sports

What confidence can we have in our government's anti-extremism policies if it can't handle a problem that is arising under its own nose?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes, the panel found in its inquiry, caseworkers did not know how to handle a problem as recurrent as domestic violence.

The New York Times

I understand that I signed off on Facebook's terms of service, but it seems as if the world's largest social network ought to handle a problem like this a lot more efficiently.

The New York Times

If you think you can't handle a problem and this is equally applicable to a child's demands on your time as it is to a work problem, you are ripe for the spiral of stress that leads to anger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But it has no way of handling a problem like Trump, who could seriously scupper the party's prospects if he becomes disillusioned with the process and decides to run as a third-party candidate, splitting the rightwing vote.

The Guardian

Not only is there structure insofar as the computer is handling a problem in a formalist way, but the artist is also exercising control so as not to be at the mercy of the computer and its inevitabilities.

Vice

This collaboration is not always uncomplicated, as different professions may have different views and strategies for handling a problem [ 17, 18].

BMC Family Practice

The one-versus-one (OVO) method is adopted to handle a multiclass problem by breaking it into various two-class problems.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

IBM "couldn't handle a predictable problem", a reference to the denial of service attacks that shut down the ABS website on census night in August.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the type of problem being handled. This will improve clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Don't use "handle a problem" as a generic phrase without specifying the nature of the problem. Vague language weakens your writing. Instead, provide specific details about the problem being addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handle a problem" functions as a verb phrase with the verb "handle" taking a noun phrase "a problem" as its object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "handle a problem" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing the act of managing or addressing difficulties. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various writing contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. For more formal settings, synonyms such as "resolve an issue" or "address a challenge" might be more suitable. Remember to provide context when using the phrase to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve an issue

This alternative focuses on finding a solution to a specific issue.

address a challenge

This alternative emphasizes the act of facing and dealing with a challenge.

manage a difficulty

This alternative highlights the ongoing effort to control and direct a difficult situation.

deal with a situation

This alternative is a more general way of saying to take action in response to a set of circumstances.

sort out a complication

This alternative focuses on untangling and resolving a complex or confused situation.

tackle a setback

This alternative emphasizes a proactive and determined approach to overcoming a setback.

overcome an obstacle

This alternative highlights the act of successfully moving past an impediment.

rectify a situation

This alternative focuses on correcting something that is wrong or unfair.

mitigate an issue

This alternative emphasizes reducing the severity or impact of an issue.

take care of a matter

This alternative suggests attending to a specific item or concern.

FAQs

What are some alternative phrases for "handle a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve an issue", "address a challenge", or "manage a difficulty" depending on the context.

How can I use "handle a problem" effectively in a sentence?

To use "handle a problem" effectively, ensure the sentence provides context about the problem and the method of handling it. For instance, "The team was able to handle the problem efficiently by implementing new strategies".

What's the difference between "handle a problem" and "solve a problem"?

"Handle a problem" implies managing or dealing with an ongoing issue, while "solve a problem" suggests finding a permanent solution. Handling focuses on process, solving on resolution.

Is "handle a problem" formal or informal language?

The phrase "handle a problem" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "address a challenge" or "resolve an issue".