stop a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of preventing or halting an issue or difficulty from continuing or worsening. Example: "We need to find a way to stop a problem before it escalates further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I thought we were working together for the movement to stop a problem.

The Guardian

"We're trying to stop a problem before it gets started," said Debra Holton-Smith, a leader of the opposition group in Orange County, N.Y.

The New York Times

God-willing, I and my team could stop a problem before it could occur.

Huffington Post

"Right now, this is the only thing I have left to try and reach him," Some, though, were trying to stop a problem before it became repetitive.

HuffPost

Ironically, though, we need to work just as hard to win a solution like this as to stop a problem like the Keystone XL.

Huffington Post

Unlike too many comic book films where the hero must stop a problem of his or her own making or confront an intrinsically personal conflict, this film presents a variation on a real-world catastrophe and allows its superheroes to save the world from an outside threat.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Stay calm and be quick on fixing a problem, stopping a problem head on is vital to running a team".

The Guardian

And most important, does the staff know how to stop a bullying problem immediately, before it gets any worse?

Huffington Post

Wanting to stop and not being able to stop is a problem.

WikiHow

And he said a swift resolution to the severe capital pressures the bond insurers are facing is necessary to stop a "tsunami" of problems in the financial markets.

Forbes

Ahead of a meeting of European Union finance ministers in Denmark, Luis de Guindos, Spain's economy minister, said "We are convinced that Spain will stop being a problem, especially for Spaniards but also for the European Union".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop a problem", consider the stage of the issue. If it's already occurring, alternatives like "resolve" or "mitigate" might be more appropriate. If you're aiming to prevent it, "avert" or "prevent" could be better choices.

Common error

While "stop a problem" is generally acceptable, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "resolve", "prevent", or "mitigate" to enhance the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop a problem" functions as a verb phrase, where "stop" acts as the main verb and "a problem" serves as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating it's a recognized and understood construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stop a problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase suitable for general contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the act of preventing or halting an issue. While acceptable in news and general writing, more formal or scientific contexts might benefit from stronger alternatives like "prevent", "resolve", or "mitigate". When using this phrase, consider the specific stage of the issue and the desired tone of your writing to ensure the most appropriate choice. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal settings and consider the nuances of similar phrases for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent an issue

Focuses on preventing the issue from arising in the first place.

resolve a difficulty

Suggests finding a solution to an existing difficulty.

avert a crisis

Implies preventing a serious or urgent situation from developing.

nip in the bud

Refers to stopping something at an early stage.

mitigate an obstacle

Focuses on reducing the severity of an existing obstacle.

forestall a complication

Means to prevent a complication by acting in advance.

curb a challenge

Indicates controlling or limiting a challenge.

halt a dilemma

Suggests bringing a dilemma to a complete stop.

preclude an adversity

Means to make an adversity impossible, preventing it entirely.

thwart an adversity

Means to prevent (someone) from accomplishing something.

FAQs

How can I use "stop a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "stop a problem" when discussing the act of preventing or halting an issue or difficulty from continuing or worsening. For example, "We need to find a way to "stop a problem" before it escalates further."

What are some alternatives to "stop a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve an issue", "prevent a crisis", or "mitigate a risk" depending on the context.

When is it most appropriate to use "stop a problem"?

It's appropriate to use "stop a problem" in general contexts where you want to convey the idea of halting an issue. However, in more formal settings, alternatives might be more suitable.

Is "stop a problem" formal or informal?

"Stop a problem" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In professional or academic writing, consider more formal alternatives for enhanced precision and tone.