resolve an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resolve an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a problem or difficulty is being addressed in a satisfactory way. Example: We were able to quickly resolve the issue by communicating directly with the customer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The hope is to resolve an issue that has passionate supporters and detractors.

The New York Times

We know exactly what new data are needed to resolve an issue.

The Guardian

Teachers can't always resolve an issue immediately, especially when they need to consult colleagues in order to do so.

The New York Times

He said the counselors taught him to talk through his problems so he could decide, for example, that he did not need to fight to resolve an issue.

The New York Times

That agreement was meant to resolve an issue that has long been problematic — Europeans placing their money in Switzerland to avoid taxes.

The New York Times

"Would the people of New York sell a part of Central Park to resolve an issue?" said Edward Keating, a member of the Save St. Paul's committee.

The New York Times

You might not always be able to resolve an issue – that's where managing expectations comes in – but it's very rewarding helping people change their lives.

The Guardian

It is irresponsible of the government to rely on small businesses and struggling not-for-profits to resolve an issue of national importance without robust support.

The Guardian - Tech

When he tries to resolve an issue with a service representative over the phone, he can't get the words out; the operator, gruff and impatient, hangs up.

The New Yorker

Back in 2001, Courson agreed to pay the agency $50,000 to resolve an "issue" over charging fees to run credit checks for customers.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Holbrooke lobbied Congress extensively last year to resolve an issue that threatened to undermine America's global reputation and a year-end budget agreement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resolve an issue", ensure the context clearly identifies the issue being addressed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "resolve an issue" when a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying "We need to resolve the issue", specify "We need to fix the bug" or "We need to negotiate the contract".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resolve an issue" functions as a verb phrase, where "resolve" is the main verb and "an issue" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating that it follows standard English grammar. It is often used to indicate the action of finding a solution to a problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resolve an issue" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of finding a solution to a problem or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "address a problem" or "settle a matter" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. It's important to ensure the context clearly identifies the issue to avoid ambiguity and to use more specific verbs when possible to provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address a problem

Emphasizes the act of dealing with a problem or difficulty.

sort out a problem

Implies organizing or clarifying a confusing or complex problem.

settle a matter

Focuses on bringing a matter to a conclusion or agreement.

take care of a problem

Focuses on managing and resolving a problem responsibly.

rectify a situation

Highlights the correction of something that is wrong or undesirable.

iron out a difficulty

Suggests smoothing out a problem through discussion and negotiation.

fix a snag

Implies correcting a small problem or unexpected difficulty.

find a solution to a problem

Emphasizes the discovery of a method to overcome a problem.

deal with a challenge

Highlights the act of confronting and managing a difficult challenge.

work through a difficulty

Implies a process of gradually overcoming a problem or challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "resolve an issue" in a sentence?

You can use "resolve an issue" to indicate that a problem or difficulty is being addressed, as in "The company is working hard to "resolve an issue" with its customer service".

What are some alternatives to "resolve an issue"?

Alternatives include "address a problem", "settle a matter", or "sort out a problem", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "resolve an issue" or "solve an issue"?

Both "resolve an issue" and "solve an issue" are correct, but "resolve" often implies a more comprehensive and diplomatic approach, while "solve" suggests a more direct and immediate fix. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "resolve an issue"?

To "resolve an issue" means to find a satisfactory solution to a problem, difficulty, or dispute, bringing it to a conclusion or an acceptable outcome.