recognize a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognize a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to highlight that someone is aware of an issue that needs dealing with. For example, "The mayor was quick to recognize the problem of homelessness in the city and he immediately began looking for solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It teaches you to recognize a problem, get to its core and solve it.

The New York Times

"A lot of times these systems can recognize a problem before the driver does," Mr. Headley said.

The New York Times - Tech

The move is an unusually swift reaction to the failure of industry and regulators to recognize a problem with Firestone tires on Ford Explorers.

The New York Times

While educators said they welcomed the mayor's acceptance of responsibility, some said they were baffled that it took until now for officials to recognize a problem that principals and deans have complained about since the opening of school in September.

The New York Times

The move is an unusually swift reaction to the failure of industry and regulators to recognize a problem with Bridgestone/Firestone tires on Ford Explorers until more than 100 people had been killed.

The New York Times

The Common Core is not an attempt to pack kids' heads with an officially sanctioned list of facts, but to assure that they are able to read a complicated text and understand it, to recognize a problem and know how to solve it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Like many a great American innovator, Weldon had recognized a problem and applied himself.

The New Yorker

Management experts have long recognized a problem with this approach: the difficulty of estimating how much value a person adds.

The New Yorker

A matchup, outlined in blue for men and pink for women, would turn red if the computer recognized a problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Aviation experts said that this could indicate that the crew recognized a problem with the stabilizer soon after takeoff.

The New York Times

Whether you like her proposal or not, it's refreshing to have a leader who recognizes a problem and tries to deal with it head-on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recognize a problem", ensure that the context clearly defines the nature of the problem and its impact. This provides clarity and emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone can "recognize a problem" without indicating subsequent steps or solutions. Focus on the actions taken after the problem is recognized to demonstrate initiative and effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize a problem" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "recognize" is the transitive verb and "a problem" is the direct object. Ludwig shows this phrase is often used to indicate an awareness or identification of an issue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recognize a problem" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe the identification of an issue. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its usability, and example sentences show it appears frequently in contexts such as news, science, and business. It's important not only to state that a problem is recognized but also to highlight the subsequent actions taken. Alternative phrases like "identify an issue" or "detect a problem" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify an issue

Replaces "recognize a problem" with a more direct and concise expression.

detect a problem

Emphasizes the act of discovering a problem that might not be immediately obvious.

become aware of a problem

Focuses on the gradual process of realizing that a problem exists.

perceive a problem

Highlights the subjective understanding and interpretation of a problem.

acknowledge a problem

Stresses the acceptance and admission that a problem exists, especially when it might be denied.

diagnose a problem

Implies a more thorough and expert assessment to pinpoint the exact nature of the problem.

spot a problem

Indicates a quick and intuitive recognition of a problem.

discern an issue

Implies careful observation and keen judgment to recognize a subtle problem.

realize there's a problem

Highlights the moment of understanding or sudden awareness of a problem.

understand the difficulty

Shifts the focus to comprehending the challenges and implications of a problematic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "recognize a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "recognize a problem" to indicate that someone has identified an issue, such as: "The team was able to "recognize a problem" early on and implement a solution".

What's a good alternative to "recognize a problem"?

Alternatives include "identify an issue", "detect a problem", or "become aware of a problem", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "recognize a problem" or "identify a problem"?

Both "recognize a problem" and "identify a problem" are correct, but "identify a problem" might be more direct, while "recognize a problem" can suggest a more gradual awareness.

What does it mean to "recognize a problem" in a professional context?

In a professional setting, to "recognize a problem" means to acknowledge an issue affecting performance, efficiency, or goals. It's the first step toward finding solutions and improvements.