highlight a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highlight a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to draw attention to an issue or concern that needs to be addressed. Example: "In our meeting, I will highlight a problem that has been affecting our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Goodyear's numbers highlight a problem that is plaguing many global companies in auto-related businesses.

The New York Times

Could we even take the failure to name the Arab as a deliberate attempt to highlight a problem in Algeria?

The Guardian - Books

Clearly, Mr. Obama was right to highlight a problem that threatens the game as well as the players.

The New York Times

The papers, which focus on particular wells that highlight a problem or a solution to a problem, are presented and debated at the conferences and published by the S.P.E.

The New York Times

The awards, sent by e-mail to reporters and accompanied by a picture of an Oscar-like statuette of a golden snail, were intended as a funny way to highlight a problem that bus riders are not laughing about.

The New York Times

Regarding the County Lines column: "Grown-Up Men Will Behave Like Kids?" (Feb. 8), Although it does highlight a problem with adult amateur athletics, the piece fails to discuss the leagues that insist on a strict code of conduct.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Which highlights a problem.

The New York Times

Pandaemonium highlights a problem familiar to teachers of English literature.

The Guardian - Film

Do you think the national data highlights a problem?

The Guardian

As great as this chat was, it highlighted a problem with conventions like this.

The Guardian - Film

" Which, incidentally, highlights a problem for Albee, of which he is well aware.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highlight a problem", ensure you follow it with specific details about the problem and potential solutions. This adds clarity and actionable insights.

Common error

Avoid using "highlight a problem" without offering any supporting details or analysis. Simply stating that a problem exists without explaining its impact or potential solutions diminishes the phrase's effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highlight a problem" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It serves to emphasize or draw attention to an issue that needs to be addressed. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used in various contexts to introduce or emphasize an existing problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highlight a problem" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to draw attention to an issue requiring resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's most impactful when followed by specific details and potential solutions. Remember, simply stating a problem without context diminishes the phrase's effectiveness. Alternatives such as "underscore an issue" or "point out a flaw" can offer nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underscore an issue

Replaces "highlight" with "underscore", suggesting a more forceful emphasis on the issue.

emphasize a difficulty

Uses "emphasize" instead of "highlight", changing "problem" to "difficulty" to focus on the challenge aspect.

point out a flaw

Substitutes "highlight" with "point out" and "problem" with "flaw", indicating a focus on imperfections.

draw attention to a concern

Replaces "highlight" with "draw attention to", offering a more descriptive way of expressing the act of making something noticeable, and uses "concern" instead of "problem".

bring to light a challenge

Uses "bring to light" as a substitute for "highlight", implying revelation, and "challenge" instead of "problem".

call attention to a difficulty

Similar to drawing attention, but with "call attention to", offering another way to phrase the act of making something noticeable, and uses "difficulty" instead of "problem".

flag an issue

Replaces "highlight" with "flag", suggesting a marking or identification of the problem.

showcase a drawback

Uses "showcase" to imply demonstrating the problem and "drawback" for a negative aspect.

illuminate a weakness

Replaces "highlight" with "illuminate", giving a sense of clarification, and "problem" with "weakness", referring to a deficiency.

expose a vulnerability

Substitutes "highlight" with "expose", implying revelation of something hidden, and "problem" with "vulnerability", focusing on susceptibility.

FAQs

How can I use "highlight a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "highlight a problem" to introduce an issue that needs attention. For example, "The report will highlight a problem with the current data collection methods."

What are some alternatives to "highlight a problem"?

Alternatives include "underscore an issue", "emphasize a difficulty", or "point out a flaw" depending on the context.

Is it better to "highlight a problem" or "solve a problem" in a report?

Both are important. "Highlighting a problem" brings attention to an issue, while "solving a problem" suggests a resolution. A comprehensive report may do both.

What's the difference between "highlighting a problem" and "addressing a problem"?

"Highlighting a problem" focuses on bringing the issue to attention. "Addressing a problem" implies taking action to resolve or mitigate it.