highlighting the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highlighting the 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 her presentation, she focused on highlighting the problem of climate change and its impact on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Luckily, some people are stepping up and highlighting the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

This week, major local newspapers ran successive front page stories highlighting the problem.

The Guardian

The story was his inspired way of highlighting the problem and exhorting the rich to action.

Independent

Brightmail has an obvious interest in highlighting the problem, but its estimates make sense.

The Economist

Mr. Achebe's literary works dealt with African traditions as well as highlighting the problem of the continent's political leadership.

The New York Times

By highlighting the problem of settler extremism, the United States can push Israel into responding to it more effectively.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The new policy follows a surge of activism highlighting the problems transgender immigrants face in US detention centers.

Vice

But that, at least, would highlight the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This highlights the problem with filters," she wrote.

The New York Times

The media seem surprised that the independent breast screening review has highlighted the problem of "overdiagnosis".

The Guardian - Opinion

Sir Michael Wilshaw, the chief inspector of schools, has also highlighted the problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex issues, use "highlighting the problem" to clearly signal that you are about to focus on a specific area of concern. This helps guide the reader through your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "highlighting the problem" when simpler phrases like "pointing out" or "mentioning" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highlighting the problem" functions as a verbal phrase often used to introduce a specific issue that requires attention or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from political leadership to technical issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highlighting the problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to draw attention to an issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is found across diverse contexts. It is most frequently used in news, science and formal business writing, serving to raise awareness or prompt action. While versatile, it’s important to avoid overuse in simple contexts where more direct language would suffice. By understanding its nuances and usage, writers can effectively employ this phrase to enhance the clarity and impact of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Underscoring the issue

Focuses on emphasizing the importance of the issue.

Emphasizing the difficulty

Highlights the severity or importance of the problem.

Spotlighting the concern

Suggests bringing the concern into sharper focus for attention.

Calling attention to the matter

A more direct way of saying that one is making others aware.

Drawing attention to the predicament

Emphasizes the difficult or dangerous nature of the problem.

Bringing the issue to light

Implies revealing or uncovering a problem that was previously hidden.

Focusing on the challenge

Directs attention towards the obstacles or difficulties.

Addressing the core problem

Indicates an intention to directly tackle the central issue.

Raising awareness of the snag

Emphasizes spreading knowledge about a less obvious problem.

Pinpointing the trouble

Suggests identifying and clearly marking the exact problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "highlighting the problem" to introduce a specific issue that needs attention. For example: "The report focuses on "highlighting the problem" of income inequality in the region".

What are some alternatives to "highlighting the problem"?

Alternatives include "underscoring the issue", "emphasizing the difficulty", or "calling attention to the matter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "highlighting a problem" or "highlighting the problem"?

Using "the" implies you're referring to a specific, already-known problem. Using "a" suggests you're introducing a new or general problem. For example: "highlighting a problem" (general) versus ""highlighting the problem"" (specific).

What's the difference between "highlighting the problem" and "solving the problem"?

"Highlighting the problem" involves drawing attention to an issue, while "solving the problem" refers to finding a solution to that issue. They are distinct stages in addressing a challenge; one precedes the other.