solve

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "solve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to finding an answer or a solution to a problem or difficulty. For example: "We need to find a way to solve this problem quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We want to solve the problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Observing Kennedy at close quarters did not help to solve the mystery.

The Guardian - Opinion

"To solve them, this may not be possible in one single day, it will take some time.

The Guardian - Sport

"In the past few years, Mr Rafsanjani has always talked about a letter he wrote in 1988 to Imam [Ruhollah] Khomeini [supreme leader until his death in 1989] in which he beseeched the founder of the Islamic Revolution to solve the problem of Iran's relations with the US during his lifetime, arguing that no one else would be able to do so after his death.

The Guardian

Non-Profits alone cannot solve the tasks at hand, while many governments are unwilling or unable to act.

The Guardian

Abdullah was unable to solve other urgent domestic concerns.

The Guardian

The author has very cleverly hidden clues in the story and let us to solve the mystery as well.

The Guardian

There's a sort of feminism that thinks it can solve patriarchy through prisons and police.

The Guardian - Opinion

But passenger transport still generates a significant part of total greenhouse gas emission of the EU so we need to think about more sustainable transport systems- the car cannot solve all our problems in the 21st century.

The Guardian

"An acquisition of [a company like] All3Media would solve problems for ITV Studios giving them increased turnover, profits and it will diversify ITV's revenue base and critically could drive formats that will sell overseas," said another industry source.

The Guardian

Before each solve, puzzles are scrambled according to a computer program, to ensure that all competitors begin from the same positions.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solve" when you want to emphasize finding a solution to a problem, puzzle, or equation. It's direct and widely understood.

Common error

While "solve" is versatile, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Consider alternatives like "figure out" or "work out" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "solve" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. Ludwig highlights its use in finding solutions or resolving problems, as seen in the example, "We want to "solve" the problem."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solve" is a transitive verb used to describe the process of finding a solution to a problem. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media. While versatile, alternatives like ""resolve"" or "figure out" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. When using "solve", ensure it directly addresses the action of finding a solution, maintaining clarity and conciseness in your writing. Consider your audience to fine tune the formality level of your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve

Implies a more formal or definitive solution, often involving conflict or disagreement.

work out

Suggests a gradual process of figuring something out, often through effort and trial.

figure out

Emphasizes understanding and comprehension as part of the solution.

address

Focuses on dealing with or managing a problem, rather than necessarily finding a complete solution.

tackle

Implies a proactive and energetic approach to confronting a problem.

iron out

Used for resolving minor difficulties or inconsistencies to achieve a smoother outcome.

sort out

Suggests organizing or clarifying something to resolve a problem.

unravel

Implies disentangling or revealing the complexities of a problem to find a solution.

decipher

Highlights the act of interpreting or decoding something to find a solution.

get to the bottom of

Emphasizes uncovering the root cause of a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "solve" in a sentence?

You can use "solve" to describe finding a solution to a problem. For example, "We need to "resolve" this issue quickly".

What are some alternatives to the word "solve"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""resolve"", "address", or "figure out".

Is it correct to use "solve" in both formal and informal contexts?

While "solve" is generally acceptable in most contexts, more informal alternatives like "work out" or "figure out" may be more suitable for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "solve" and ""resolve""?

"Solve" generally refers to finding a solution, while ""resolve"" often implies settling a dispute or conflict. The best choice depends on the specific situation.