resolve something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resolve something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to finding a solution or settling an issue. Example: "We need to resolve the scheduling conflict before the meeting." Alternative expressions include "settle something" and "address something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

She knew I had to resolve something".

The New York Times

"It can be rewarding, when you resolve something in a way that is satisfying to everyone.

The New York Times

"I kind of flew in expecting to maybe resolve something in our first go-round, but that didn't happen," Cashman said.

The New York Times

The Rangers considered it a test of patience and resolve, something they say they have found in their stretch run toward the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

IT TOOK a little more than 48 hours for Condoleezza Rice to resolve something that Israeli and Palestinian officials at all levels and despite the considerable persuasive powers of James Wolfensohn, the former World Bank president who is now a Middle East peace envoy had been arguing about for five months.

The Economist

'At the end of the day, you have to resolve something on legal principles and you're not going to do something different just because you're a man or a woman.' Since stepping down in 2006, O'Connor's absence on the Court has been mourned by many, who are discomforted by its ideological shift to the right.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I think I just resolved something about this one," he said, somewhat conspiratorially.

The New Yorker

Elegance is a term used in the worlds of mathematics and science for something that is perfectly resolved, something that can be imagined no other way.

The New York Times

When suspicions turn out to be reality, all too often they become unhappy miserable about resolving something costly and disruptive, yet terrified about being complicit in peddling a dangerous product.

The Economist

Trauma just is the sort of event that is never entirely resolved, something that we are never over and done with.

Huffington Post

Many subplots were resolved, something Zack Handlen writing for the AV Club found satisfying, saying that the book had "a blessed willingness to tie up loose ends," something he felt Jordan had been unwilling to do.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resolve something" when the goal is a definitive end to a conflict or an internal state of uncertainty. It carries more weight than just talking about a problem; it implies a result.

Common error

While you can "resolve something" like a complex legal dispute, do not use it for simple arithmetic or logical puzzles where "solve" is the precise term. Resolve implies settling different parts into a whole or ending a struggle, whereas solve is about finding the one correct answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resolve something" functions as a transitive verb phrase where 'resolve' acts as the action and 'something' serves as the indefinite direct object. As noted by Ludwig AI, it often appears in the infinitive form to express intent or necessity. It is frequently preceded by modal verbs like 'can', 'must', or 'will' to indicate the possibility or obligation of reaching a conclusion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "resolve something" is a robust and widely accepted phrase in the English language, primarily used to describe the act of settling issues or concluding conflicts. As shown by the variety of high-quality examples in Ludwig, its usage spans from international diplomacy and high-level journalism to personal introspection and scientific inquiry. While often interchangeable with 'settle' or 'address', it carries a specific connotation of reaching a final, harmonious outcome. Ludwig AI data demonstrates that it is particularly effective in professional and neutral registers, making it a safe and sophisticated choice for both speech and writing when one wishes to emphasize the successful conclusion of a problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settle the matter

Focuses on reaching a final agreement or decision to end a discussion.

reach a resolution

Noun-based construction that highlights the outcome of a formal process.

sort out a problem

A more common, everyday alternative to the formal resolve.

address an issue

Slightly less definitive, focusing more on the act of dealing with the problem.

find a solution

Emphasizes the discovery of an answer rather than the conclusion of a conflict.

rectify the situation

More formal tone, implying the correction of an error or injustice.

reconcile a conflict

Used specifically when harmonizing two opposing viewpoints or accounts.

iron out the details

Idiomatic expression focusing on fixing minor problems or inconsistencies.

clear up the confusion

Specific to resolving misunderstandings rather than general problems.

fix a concern

Direct and utilitarian, often used in customer service or technical contexts.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "resolve something"?

Depending on your context, you can use phrases like "settle the matter", "address the issue", or "sort something out".

How do I use "resolve something" in a professional email?

In a professional setting, you might say: "I am confident we can "resolve something" that works for both parties" or "We need to "reach a resolution" regarding the budget discrepancy".

Is "resolve something" more formal than "fix something"?

Yes, "resolve something" is generally more formal. While "fix something" suggests a mechanical or immediate repair, resolve suggests a thoughtful process of bringing a complex situation to a close.

What is the difference between resolve and solve?

You usually "solve a problem" that has a single correct answer (like math). You "resolve something" like a dispute, a tension, or an internal conflict where the aim is to find harmony or finality among competing factors.