overcoming a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcoming a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of finding a solution or resolution to a challenge or difficulty. Example: "The team focused on overcoming a problem that had been hindering their progress for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The first step to overcoming a problem is realising it exists.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first step to overcoming a problem is recognizing that you have one.

The New York Times

Hilary Class, president of the paediatric and child health royal society, praised the scheme: "The biggest challenge in overcoming a problem like childhood obesity is that there isn't a single solution; there are multiple factors at play.

The Guardian

Pure jurisprudence guides ethics in constructing a theory of humanity by overcoming a problem that, Cohen thinks, any theory of humanity faces.

SEP

You need to recognize when you start thinking this way because it's true what they say: the first step in overcoming a problem is admitting that you have one.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In each location, she meets a friend and helps them overcome a problem.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The tug of war is a metaphor I use to convey our human nature to want to win – to beat things, to overcome a problem and control it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The firms must also overcome a problem all exchanges face: attracting enough members to make the service useful.Yet cars are expensive, underused assets.

The Economist

However, to be useful, researchers must overcome a problem.

BBC

The cell treatment overcomes a problem with using cells from the elderly as donor cells for growing arteries.

Duke University

A lot of the stuff that crosses my desk is not that they overcame a problem but that they used their $2,000 to create an outstanding experience.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “"overcoming a problem"” when you want to highlight the active effort and progress made in dealing with an obstacle, versus simply stating the existence of the problem.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a passive voice when describing the process of “"overcoming a problem"”. Instead, focus on who or what is actively working to solve the issue. For example, instead of saying 'The problem was overcome', say 'The team overcame the problem'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “overcoming a problem” functions as a gerund phrase, where "overcoming" acts as a verb in its -ing form and "a problem" serves as its object. This phrase typically functions as a noun, describing the act of surmounting a challenge. Ludwig confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “overcoming a problem” is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase that describes the act of addressing and resolving difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it is suitable for various contexts, it is frequently found in news, science, and general discussions. To ensure effective communication, focus on active language and highlight the actions taken to address the problem. Alternatives include "solving a challenge" or "resolving an issue", each with slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding a solution to a problem

Focuses on the outcome of identifying a way to fix a problem

solving a challenge

Focuses more on finding a solution to a specific challenge, rather than the broader concept of a "problem".

resolving an issue

Emphasizes the act of resolving or settling a particular issue, often implying a more formal or structured approach.

addressing a difficulty

Highlights the act of confronting and dealing with a difficult situation or obstacle.

tackling an obstacle

Implies a more proactive and energetic approach to dealing with an obstacle or impediment.

rising above a challenge

Conveys a sense of triumph and resilience in the face of a challenge.

conquering an adversity

Suggests a strong and determined effort to overcome a significant adversity or hardship.

surmounting a hurdle

Focuses on successfully getting over a specific hurdle or obstacle, often in a competitive context.

getting past a difficulty

Suggests a more casual or informal approach to overcoming a difficulty.

working through a problem

Emphasizes the process of gradually and methodically addressing a problem.

FAQs

How can I use “"overcoming a problem"” in a sentence?

You can use “"overcoming a problem"” in a sentence to describe the act of resolving a difficulty. For example, "The first step to “"overcoming a problem"” is recognizing that you have one."

What are some alternatives to “"overcoming a problem"”?

Some alternatives to “"overcoming a problem"” include "solving a challenge", "resolving an issue", or "addressing a difficulty".

Is “"overcoming a problem"” formal or informal?

“"Overcoming a problem"” is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

What is the difference between “"overcoming a problem"” and “"solving a problem"”?

While both phrases relate to addressing difficulties, “"overcoming a problem"” emphasizes the process and effort involved, whereas "solving a problem" focuses more on the resolution itself.