identifying a solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identifying a solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of finding or recognizing a viable answer to a problem or challenge. Example: "The team is focused on identifying a solution to the ongoing technical issues we have been facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Monitor's Board recognised the scale of the challenges in identifying a solution that meets the needs of the local health economy and asked us to exercise even greater scrutiny at this critical stage".

BBC

Of course, identifying a solution that all partners support may not be easy.

Huffington Post

All I know is that the first step towards identifying a solution is acknowledging we have a problem.

Huffington Post

If she hadn't taken the time, effort, and interest in identifying a solution to Robertson's reading challenges, he said, he doesn't know where he would be today.

Huffington Post

However, as being able to subdivide the RSPR problem has the potential to reduce the time spend on identifying a solution significantly, we have added the following conjecture and an option to calculate solutions based on it in SPRIT.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Pelamis blamed it on "excessive wear on bearings" and has since identified a solution.

The New York Times

He or (occasionally) she analyzes the problem, identifies a solution and implements it.

The New York Times - Arts

"You can't identify a solution until you have a better understanding of the problem," said Margaret Mellon, senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington.

The New York Times

Positive deviance capitalises on a hugely energising fact: for any given problem, someone in the community will have already identified a solution.

The Guardian

In a previous hearing, aided by an amicus curiae, he had identified a solution: a localized version of YouTube, similar to versions of the site in many other countries, but in which videos flagged as being offensive to religious / cultural /  national sensitivities could be removed or restricted by Google.

The New Yorker

The next round of major advances in cholera treatment did not occur until 1958, when Robert A. Phillips, a U.S. Navy physician, identified a solution that proved to be even more effective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about problem-solving, use "identifying a solution" to emphasize the initial stage of recognizing a viable answer. It's particularly useful when highlighting the cognitive process involved.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "identifying a solution" in a way that obscures who is doing the identifying. Active voice makes the writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identifying a solution" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable English phrase. Examples show it often serves as the subject of a sentence or part of a larger noun phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identifying a solution" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned phrase used to describe the process of recognizing a viable answer to a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. When writing, consider using this phrase to emphasize the cognitive process of finding answers, and avoid overusing the passive voice to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "finding a resolution" or "determining a solution" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding a resolution

Swaps "identifying a solution" with more general synonym combination.

determining a solution

Replaces "identifying" with "determining", focusing on establishing a solution.

detecting a solution

Uses "detecting" instead of "identifying", suggesting the solution was already there.

pinpointing a solution

Replaces "identifying" with "pinpointing", adding the idea of precision.

locating a solution

Focuses on the act of finding the physical or metaphorical location of a solution.

recognizing a solution

Emphasizes the acknowledgement of an already existing solution.

establishing a solution

Shifts the focus to creating or setting up a solution, rather than just finding it.

discovering a remedy

Uses the word "remedy" instead of "solution", implying a healing or corrective action.

uncovering a resolution

Implies that the solution was hidden and is now being revealed.

ascertaining a fix

Replaces "solution" with "fix", suggesting a more immediate or temporary resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "identifying a solution" in a sentence?

You can use "identifying a solution" to describe the act of finding an answer to a problem, for example: "The first step in resolving the conflict is "identifying a solution" that satisfies both parties".

What are some alternatives to "identifying a solution"?

Alternatives include "finding a solution", "determining a solution", or "locating a solution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "identify a solution" or "identifying a solution"?

The choice depends on the grammatical context. "Identify a solution" is an imperative or infinitive form, while "identifying a solution" is a gerund phrase that can function as a noun. For instance, "Identifying a solution is crucial for progress".

What's the difference between "exploring a solution" and "identifying a solution"?

Exploring a solution involves investigating various options, while "identifying a solution" means recognizing or singling out one particular answer from the available options.