located the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "located the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the identification or discovery of an issue or fault in a particular context, such as technical troubleshooting or problem-solving scenarios. Example: "After several hours of investigation, the technician finally located the problem with the server."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is a bug, and we have located the problem.

TechCrunch

Crews had located the problem and were working to restore power, with an estimated time of restoration at 10 15 a.m., the utility said.

Los Angeles Times

I mean, I get stressed when a patient comes to me because he's losing weight and has a lymph node problem,...and then you go and ask him if he drinks...in other words,...I don't know... other things worry me more than the macro data... ........M2D2 References to the social context in GPs' discourses located the problem beyond the scope of consultation.

BMC Health Services Research

Once you have noticed that your water line is not working correctly and have located the problem, turn the water off and then try to remove a small section of the piping.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Our participants were working in Perth, the state capital of Western Australia, and were selected based on their long experience in service delivery in the Indigenous health sector and because their insights and reflective thinking located the problems of medical care for Indigenous clients within a health system which failed to adequately acknowledge and respond to their patients' needs.

BMC Health Services Research

Yet the disease label locates the problem of addiction in the individual.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Totally?" I coughed, as if to locate the problem in my throat.

The New Yorker

His way out was to locate the problem in the terms in which it was framed.

The New York Times - Books

My right brake is not working properly, so we have to take the bike apart and locate the problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You have to try to locate the problem by trial and error and use the easiest fixes first".

The New York Times

One participant said: "It's an easy explanation, which is convenient and comforting and absolves everyone of blame by locating the problem within the child".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "located the problem" when you want to emphasize that a specific issue has been identified after some effort. It suggests a process of searching or investigating.

Common error

While "located the problem" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "found the problem" or "figured out what was wrong" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "located the problem" functions as a declarative statement indicating the successful identification of an issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase often appears as part of a larger sentence describing a resolution or explanation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "located the problem" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase indicating the successful identification of an issue's source. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare in overall usage, it's found across news, scientific, and wiki contexts. Related phrases include "identified the issue" and "found the source of the trouble". When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. While not as frequently used as some alternatives, "located the problem" effectively communicates that a search or investigation has led to finding the source of a difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identified the issue

Focuses on the act of pinpointing the specific issue at hand.

found the source of the trouble

Emphasizes discovering the origin of a difficulty or problem.

detected the fault

Highlights the discovery of a malfunction or defect.

pinpointed the cause

Stresses the precise identification of the reason behind a problem.

discovered the origin

Focuses on uncovering where something began or started, leading to a problem.

traced the issue

Implies a process of following back to find the source of a problem.

ascertained the reason

Formal way to say that something has been discovered with certainty

uncovered the defect

Highlights the unearthing of a flaw or imperfection that is causing issues.

diagnosed the problem

Implies a systematic analysis to identify the exact nature of the problem, especially in technical or medical contexts

determined the root cause

Signifies a thorough investigation to find the fundamental reason behind the issue

FAQs

How can I rephrase "located the problem" to sound less formal?

Consider using alternatives such as "found the problem", "figured out the issue", or "spotted what was wrong" for a more casual tone.

Is there a difference between "located the problem" and "identified the problem"?

While similar, "located the problem" often suggests a physical or more involved search, whereas "identified the problem" simply means recognizing or naming the issue.

What does it mean to say someone "located the problem"?

It means they have successfully identified or discovered the source of a difficulty or issue, often after investigation or searching.

Can "located the problem" be used in a medical context?

Yes, particularly when describing diagnostic processes. For example, "Doctors located the problem after running a series of tests."