resolve for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resolve for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of finding a solution or determining a value for a variable in a mathematical or problem-solving context. Example: "We need to resolve for x in the equation to find its value."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let today renew our resolve for reconciliation.

The Guardian

Who vaunted his "iron resolve for stability and fiscal prudence"?

The Guardian - Opinion

The incident only hardened residents' resolve for self-defense.

The New York Times

And with the freeze went the last of my resolve for country living.

The New Yorker

"I think adversity is a test of resolve, for yourself and also for your team.

The Guardian - Sport

You will be asked for resolve, for the conflict will not be easy.

The New York Times

For the most part, the Islanders have reserved that kind of resolve for home games.

The New York Times - Sports

Maintaining our resolve for peace does not mean, however, turning the other cheek.

Yale University

Roule said that Iran has been testing the limits of European and American resolve for decades.

The Washington Post

The event broke the back of American resolve for the war.

The Guardian

Diplomats credit the White House's new resolve for helping to bring stubborn parties to the table.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resolve for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being resolved, whether it's a problem, a variable, or a conflict.

Common error

While "resolve for" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for alternatives like "figure out" or "work out" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resolve for" functions as a directive, often used in problem-solving or analytical contexts. As Ludwig highlights, it's used to indicate the process of finding a solution or determining a specific value. Its usage implies a need to find a definite answer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resolve for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's employed to indicate the process of finding a solution or determining a specific value, often in analytical or problem-solving contexts. The phrase's register is generally neutral to professional, leaning towards formal in academic and business environments. Ludwig examples show its presence in news, academic and scientific sources. While perfectly acceptable, remember that alternatives like "solve", "figure out" or "determine" may be more appropriate depending on the formality of the situation. Ultimately, "resolve for" serves as a versatile tool in contexts requiring clear and precise communication about problem-solving and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solve

This is a shorter, more direct synonym, focusing on finding a solution.

determine

Implies a more investigative or calculative approach to finding a solution.

find a solution for

More verbose, but emphasizes the act of discovering a solution.

work out

Informal and suggests a process of figuring something out.

figure out

Similar to "work out" but slightly more direct.

address

Focuses on dealing with a problem or issue.

rectify

Implies correcting something that is wrong or deficient.

settle

Suggests a final decision or resolution to a dispute.

iron out

Idiomatic, meaning to resolve difficulties or inconsistencies.

sort out

Similar to "work out" but can also imply organizing or clarifying.

FAQs

How can I use "resolve for" in a sentence?

You can use "resolve for" when you want to indicate that you are finding a solution or determining something, as in, "We need to resolve for x to find the value of the equation".

What's a more formal alternative to "resolve for"?

A more formal alternative would be "determine". For example, "The committee will determine the best course of action".

Is it always necessary to use "for" after "resolve"?

No, the necessity of using "for" after "resolve" depends on the context. "Resolve" can be used without "for" when it means to make a firm decision about something or to settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter).

What can I say instead of "resolve for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "solve", "find a solution for", or "address".