need to solve

USAGE SUMMARY

"need to solve" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about needing to find a solution to a problem. For example: "We need to solve this issue before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to solve our problems ourselves".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We need to solve the problem.

The New York Times

They need to solve their problems.

The Economist

We need to solve it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now, we need to solve it".

The New York Times

"We need to solve this problem.

The Guardian

They all understand they need to solve the problem.

The Guardian - Business

We have some things we need to solve also".

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's not something we feel we need to solve".

The New York Times - Sports

"Industrywide, we need to solve this," he said.

The New York Times

"We have at our fingertips all of the tools we need to solve three or four climate crises — and we only need to solve one," he writes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to solve", clearly identify the problem you're referring to. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly stating that something "need to solve" without proposing potential solutions or actionable steps. Focus on moving from problem identification to problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to solve" functions as a verb phrase expressing necessity or obligation. It combines the auxiliary verb "need" with the infinitive "to solve", indicating the requirement to find a solution to a problem or address an issue. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "need to solve" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the necessity of finding a solution to a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, as demonstrated by the examples. While suitable for many situations, it's crucial to clearly define the problem and, ideally, offer potential solutions rather than simply stating the need. Alternatives such as "must resolve" or "essential to resolve" can add formality, while "have to figure out" offers a more informal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential to resolve

Highlights the high importance of the solving effort.

must resolve

Emphasizes obligation or requirement; indicates the solution is not optional.

imperative to address

Focuses on urgency and crucial action.

have to figure out

More informal and conversational; indicates a need to understand or determine something.

crucial to figure out

Stresses the significance of understanding the solution.

should address

Suggests importance and recommendation; indicates a need to give attention to the issue.

vital to determine

Underlines the importance of the determination to solve.

ought to tackle

Implies moral duty or advisability; suggests a need to confront or deal with a challenge.

necessary to work out

Indicates that the work itself needs to be solved.

required to fix

More direct and authoritative; suggests an official demand for correcting something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "need to solve" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "essential to resolve", "imperative to address", or "required to fix" depending on the specific context.

What are some less formal alternatives to "need to solve"?

Informal options include "have to figure out" or "have to work out", which are more conversational.

Is there a difference between "need to solve" and "need to resolve"?

While similar, "need to solve" typically refers to finding a solution to a problem, while "need to resolve" often implies settling a dispute or clarifying a misunderstanding. The best option depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "need to solve" effectively in a sentence?

Ensure the problem you "need to solve" is clearly defined. For example, instead of saying "We need to solve this", specify "We need to solve the budget deficit".