problem to solve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem to solve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific issue or challenge that needs to be addressed or resolved. Example: "The team identified a significant problem to solve before the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's no problem to solve.

The New York Times

No problem to solve.

The Guardian

"This problem is our problem to solve.

The New York Times

He had another problem to solve.

The New York Times - Sports

He needed another tangible problem to solve.

The New Yorker

"Each installation becomes a problem to solve".

The New York Times - Arts

Structure is a harder problem to solve.

The New York Times

But that's the easy problem to solve.

The Guardian - Opinion

Robertson had a threefold problem to solve.

The New York Times - Magazine

There's always some problem to solve".

The New York Times - Arts

"That's a really difficult problem to solve.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "problem to solve" when you want to emphasize the need for a resolution or solution to a specific issue. It is appropriate for various contexts, from formal reports to everyday conversation.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is responsible for solving the problem. For example, instead of saying "A problem to solve was identified", specify who needs to address it: "The team identified a "problem to solve" before the deadline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem to solve" functions as a noun phrase acting as a direct object of a verb (e.g., 'identified a problem to solve') or as a complement describing something requiring attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse writing needs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problem to solve" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an issue requiring resolution. As verified by Ludwig AI, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, from news articles and academic papers to business reports and casual conversations. While simple and direct, varying your vocabulary can enhance your writing. Consider alternatives like "issue to resolve" or "challenge to address" to add nuance. Remember, clarity is key; ensure it's evident who is responsible for addressing the "problem to solve". With its versatility and clear meaning, "problem to solve" is a useful tool in any writer's arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue to resolve

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "solve" with "resolve", slightly altering the tone while maintaining the core meaning.

challenge to address

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge" and "solve" with "address", emphasizing the difficulty and the action of dealing with it.

difficulty to overcome

Uses "difficulty" instead of "problem" and "overcome" instead of "solve", highlighting the struggle and the act of surpassing it.

matter to settle

Replaces "problem" with "matter" and "solve" with "settle", suggesting a need for resolution or agreement.

question to answer

Substitutes "problem" with "question" and "solve" with "answer", framing the situation as something requiring an explanation or solution.

puzzle to unravel

Uses "puzzle" instead of "problem" and "unravel" instead of "solve", implying complexity and the act of discovering the solution.

enigma to decode

Replaces "problem" with "enigma" and "solve" with "decode", suggesting a mysterious or obscure situation that needs to be understood.

task to complete

Substitutes "problem" with "task" and "solve" with "complete", focusing on the work that needs to be done to reach a resolution.

dilemma to resolve

Replaces "problem" with "dilemma" and "solve" with "resolve", indicating a difficult choice or situation that requires a decision.

obstacle to surmount

Uses "obstacle" instead of "problem" and "surmount" instead of "solve", emphasizing the barrier and the action of overcoming it.

FAQs

How can I use "problem to solve" in a sentence?

You can use "problem to solve" to describe a challenge or issue that requires a resolution. For example, "The company has a significant "problem to solve" related to customer retention".

What are some alternatives to "problem to solve"?

Alternatives include phrases like "issue to resolve", "challenge to address", or "difficulty to overcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a problem to solve" or "a problem to be solved"?

"A problem to solve" is more direct and active, implying agency in finding a solution. "A problem to be solved" is passive and can be less engaging, but both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "problem to solve" and "solution to a problem"?

"Problem to solve" emphasizes the existence of a challenge that needs resolving. "Solution to a problem" highlights the resolution itself. For example, "Finding a "problem to solve" is the first step, and the "solution to a problem" is the ultimate goal".