indicate the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicate the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to point out or specify an issue or difficulty they are experiencing. Example: "In your report, please indicate the problem you encountered during the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Even the official documents indicate the problem – green areas in the city's urban core are not linked together, and new neighbourhoods are built largely without planned green space.

The Guardian

If the sensors malfunction in an unexpected way, however, that will indicate the problem is more deeply rooted in the system, and the launching will probably be delayed again.

The New York Times

According to Metronome+ maker Joe LeBlanc, reports from the U.S., Japan, Korea and France, for example, indicate the problem is worldwide.

TechCrunch

However, as there were no differences between the groups regarding the total amount of organized physical activity (organized physical training at school and during spare time) or in accelerometer data, this indicate the problem to be of no biological importance.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

8 The increasing number of countries reporting breaches of the supply chain, and products being falsified, along with the recent doubling of articles published on "fake drugs" every 5 years in PubMed indicate the problem is of pandemic proportions and growing.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The remarks of the North Korean spokesman indicate the problems confronting President Kim Dae Jung as he tries to pursue his policy of reconciliation with the North.

The New York Times

Enough has already been said, however, to indicate the problems involved in defining the tasks of metaphysics along these lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the reports on social media seem to indicate the problems may have started earlier.

TechCrunch

According to Feingold, "we will be requiring key procedural votes," he said, "and also be taking some time on the floor this week to indicate the problems with this legislation.

Huffington Post

I will try to indicate the problems as I see them.

Biology Direct

Future studies with broad inclusion of patients and hospitals could indicate the problems causation and its prevention.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicate the problem" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes a 'problem'. Provide specific details or examples to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "indicate the problem" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "What's wrong?" or "What's the issue?" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicate the problem" functions as a verb phrase, where 'indicate' is the verb, and 'the problem' is the direct object. It serves to direct attention to or specify an existing issue. Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indicate the problem" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, designed to elicit specific information about an issue. It is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. When writing, remember to provide clear context to what constitutes the 'problem' and, in casual conversations, consider more straightforward alternatives. While the phrase is valid, its relatively low frequency suggests that simpler options might often be preferred. Use it when you need someone to clearly point out the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signal the issue

Replaces "indicate" with "signal" and "problem" with "issue", offering a slightly less formal tone.

point out the difficulty

Substitutes "indicate" with "point out" and "problem" with "difficulty", changing the emphasis to highlighting a challenging aspect.

highlight the concern

Uses "highlight" instead of "indicate" and "concern" instead of "problem", focusing on raising awareness about something worrying.

reveal the matter

Employs "reveal" in place of "indicate" and "matter" instead of "problem", suggesting the uncovering of a hidden issue.

specify the trouble

Replaces "indicate" with "specify" and "problem" with "trouble", conveying a sense of precision and identifying a source of adversity.

denote the challenge

Uses "denote" instead of "indicate" and "challenge" instead of "problem", implying a more formal and analytical approach to identifying a difficulty.

flag the predicament

Substitutes "indicate" with "flag" and "problem" with "predicament", focusing on marking a difficult or unpleasant situation.

underline the snag

Employs "underline" in place of "indicate" and "snag" instead of "problem", suggesting the highlighting of a minor obstacle or difficulty.

show the deficiency

Replaces "indicate" with "show" and "problem" with "deficiency", pointing to a lack or inadequacy.

demonstrate the flaw

Uses "demonstrate" instead of "indicate" and "flaw" instead of "problem", highlighting an imperfection or fault.

FAQs

What does "indicate the problem" mean?

The phrase "indicate the problem" means to point out, show, or specify what the issue or difficulty is. It's often used when asking someone to identify the specific problem they are facing.

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

You can use "indicate the problem" in a sentence like this: "Could you please indicate the problem you are experiencing with the software?" or "The test results indicate the problem lies within the engine's cooling system."

What are some alternatives to "indicate the problem"?

Some alternatives to "indicate the problem" include "identify the problem", "point out the issue", or "specify the difficulty". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "indicate the problem" formal or informal?

"Indicate the problem" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate, but in professional or academic contexts, it is perfectly acceptable.