solved the puzzle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solved the puzzle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of finding a solution to a problem or challenge, often in a game or riddle context. Example: "After hours of thinking, she finally solved the puzzle and felt a sense of accomplishment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I had solved the puzzle.

The New Yorker

A software developer has solved the puzzle.

The New Yorker

"I finally solved the puzzle by realizing that the A.M.A. believes its own propaganda".

The New Yorker

In 1738, mathematician Daniel Bernouilli solved the puzzle by introducing the concept of 'utility'utility

The Guardian

Quantum mechanics and its application to atoms and nuclei solved the puzzle.

The New York Times - Science

I was with one of the teams when they solved the puzzle.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Solving the puzzle takes about 15 minutes.

The New York Times - Tech

You solve the puzzle you create".

The New York Times - Arts

But that doesn't seem to completely solve the puzzle.

Independent

Mr Prior has an indirect suggestion for solving the puzzle.

The Economist

Only now are scientists finally starting to solve the puzzle.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solved the puzzle" when you want to emphasize the successful resolution of a complex or intricate problem, especially when it involves intellectual challenge or discovery.

Common error

Avoid using "solved the puzzle" for simple or easily resolved issues. The phrase is most effective when the situation genuinely presents a complex problem requiring significant effort or insight to overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solved the puzzle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the completion of an action. It typically describes the successful resolution of a complex problem or enigma, often involving critical thinking or investigation, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solved the puzzle" is a commonly used phrase indicating the successful resolution of a complex problem. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when describing situations involving intricate challenges and to avoid it in trivial scenarios. Alternative phrases like "figured out the riddle" or "cracked the code" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figured out the riddle

Focuses on the successful decoding or comprehension of a riddle.

cracked the code

Emphasizes breaking a code or system, implying cleverness.

unraveled the mystery

Highlights the process of revealing a hidden or obscure truth.

found the answer

A simpler, more general way to express the discovery of a solution.

discovered the solution

Focuses on the act of uncovering a method or means to resolve a problem.

got to the bottom of it

Implies a thorough investigation leading to a resolution.

resolved the issue

Highlights the termination of a problem or dispute.

deciphered the enigma

Suggests successfully interpreting something obscure or puzzling.

worked it out

An informal way of saying someone successfully dealt with a problem.

pieced it together

Emphasizes the process of assembling disparate elements to form a coherent understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "solved the puzzle" in a sentence?

You can use "solved the puzzle" to describe finding a solution to a complex problem, as in, "The detective finally solved the puzzle of the missing jewels".

What can I say instead of "solved the puzzle"?

You can use alternatives like "figured out the riddle", "cracked the code", or "unraveled the mystery" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "solved the puzzle" or "found the solution"?

"Solved the puzzle" is more appropriate when the problem is intricate or perplexing. "Found the solution" is a more general term that can apply to simpler problems.

What's the difference between "solved the puzzle" and "pieced it together"?

"Solved the puzzle" implies a specific, well-defined problem with a hidden answer. "Pieced it together" suggests assembling disparate pieces of information to understand a situation.