identifying problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"identifying problems" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you need to refer to the act of discovering or analyzing specific challenges or issues. For example: "The project manager was successful in identifying problems with the design and finding solutions that worked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Of course, identifying problems is not solving them.

The New York Times

"Politics is about identifying problems and finding solutions.

The Guardian

NIPT performed well in identifying problems, and women were very positive about it".

The Guardian

Family and friends "Identifying problems early and finding ways of managing them can help," says Andrew.

The Guardian

They're on the front lines identifying problems and trying to influence change where possible.

The Guardian

Because collective intelligence helps to aggregate collective wisdom, it is useful for identifying problems.

The Washington Post

My managers provide time, resources, and venues for identifying problems and organizational challenges.

Harvard Business Review

The technology helps with maintenance, Saxena says, by identifying problems much earlier.

MIT Technology Review

The report also faulted regulators for bogging down consultants with numerous metrics for identifying problems.

The New York Times

So you're identifying problems, you're solving them and comparing them against the vision.

The New York Times

During the research stage, the emphasis was completely on identifying problems rather than identifying existing solutions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about problem-solving, follow "identifying problems" with a clear description of the steps taken to address them. For example, "After identifying problems with the software, the team implemented a series of updates."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that problems were identified. Instead, provide specific details about the nature of the problems and their impact. For example, instead of "identifying problems", specify "identifying problems such as data breaches and system vulnerabilities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identifying problems" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of recognizing and defining issues. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to the act of discovering or analyzing specific challenges or issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "identifying problems" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that serves to highlight the recognition and definition of issues across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for describing the initial stage of a process before more in-depth analysis or solution implementation. Its neutrality allows for use in formal and informal settings, primarily appearing in news, academic, and scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to provide specific details about the identified problems and their potential impacts, rather than simply stating that problems were identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detecting issues

This alternative uses "detecting" instead of "identifying", emphasizing the discovery aspect.

recognizing challenges

This alternative replaces "problems" with "challenges", suggesting a more complex or demanding situation.

spotting difficulties

This option uses "spotting", which implies a quick or intuitive recognition of problems.

uncovering obstacles

Here, "uncovering" suggests revealing hidden or previously unknown problems.

diagnosing issues

This is more suitable in contexts where a formal assessment or analysis is involved, similar to medical diagnoses.

assessing shortcomings

This phrase focuses on evaluating deficiencies or areas needing improvement.

pinpointing errors

This emphasizes the precise location or identification of mistakes.

determining flaws

Focuses on the process of establishing the existence of imperfections or defects.

locating inefficiencies

This phrase is specific to identifying areas where processes or systems are not operating optimally.

ascertaining predicaments

Uses more formal language, suggesting the definitive identification of difficult or complex situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "identifying problems" to describe the process of recognizing and defining issues. For example, "The first step in improving any process is "identifying problems" within the current system."

What are some alternatives to "identifying problems"?

Alternatives include "detecting issues", "recognizing challenges", or "spotting difficulties", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "identifying problems" or "solving problems"?

The choice depends on the context. "Identifying problems" refers to the initial step of recognizing issues, while "solving problems" implies taking action to resolve those issues. You would typically identify problems before attempting to solve them.

What is the difference between "identifying problems" and "analyzing problems"?

"Identifying problems" is about recognizing their existence. "Analyzing problems", on the other hand, involves a deeper investigation into the causes and effects of those problems. Analysis usually follows identification.