surmount the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surmount the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing overcoming or dealing with a challenge or difficulty. Example: "In order to succeed, we must find a way to surmount the problem of limited resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We investigate how the Chinese automaker plans to surmount the problem.

MIT Technology Review

To surmount the problem of obtaining local solutions, we have investigated the utility of using a joint problem formulation.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

The Conservatives have not one councillor in Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield.But some way to surmount the problem has to be found if either party is to get a respectable absolute majority.

The Economist

To surmount the problem, Eric Ahrens and his colleagues at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wondered if they could force cells to make their own magnetic agent.

Science Magazine

YOU: I'd dig in and look at what you've already tried to surmount the problem, and I'd look at the financial impact of doing nothing versus doing something and the possibilities for what that solution might be.

Forbes

Recognizing that this may not be enough to surmount the problem, Suárez candidly says that once we accept that someone must have the power to punish in the international arena, for all their faults, there are simply no better candidates for this role than sovereigns (DDB 4.7).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But Roger Marks, who headed the IEEE standards group for Wider-Fi, and the rest of the 802 crowd are confident they can surmount the problems that have plagued earlier long-distance wireless efforts.

Forbes

At the same time, it explores the obstacles in achieving coordination and coherence between various mediators in such an environment and how to surmount the problems that multiple mediators face when operating without a 'common script' in attempting to mediate a negotiated settlement.

Johns Hopkins University

But Matt Bevin is determined to surmount the problems of manufacturing in New England and reverse the fortunes of Bevin Bros. "I will turn 65 in 2032, the year Bevin Bros. celebrates its 200th birthday," he says.

Los Angeles Times

The GI team surmounted the problem by transmitting only changes in the picture, once a complete frame existed.

Britannica

Hayley Atwell as Sophie excellently surmounts the problem of playing a truly good woman by suggesting she is tempted by worldly vanity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surmount the problem" when you want to emphasize overcoming a significant obstacle through effort and strategy.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "surmount the problem" in everyday conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "solve the issue" or "fix the problem" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surmount the problem" functions as a verb phrase, where "surmount" is a transitive verb taking "the problem" as its object. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, indicating its role in conveying the action of overcoming an obstacle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surmount the problem" is a grammatically correct and relatively formal expression used to describe the act of overcoming a difficulty or obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in a variety of reliable sources, including news, scientific and academic publications. While the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, simpler alternatives like "solve the problem" or "overcome the challenge" may be more suitable for everyday conversation. The phrase's usage patterns show its prevalence in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal and considered tone. Therefore, while "surmount the problem" is a valid and impactful phrase, it's essential to consider the context and audience to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome the challenge

Focuses more on the act of succeeding against a specific obstacle.

find a solution to the problem

Highlights the problem-solving aspect.

resolve the issue

Emphasizes finding a solution to a specific point of contention or difficulty.

address the difficulty

Highlights the act of dealing with something problematic.

tackle the obstacle

Implies a direct and forceful approach to dealing with a barrier.

get around the problem

Suggests finding a way to avoid or bypass the problem, rather than directly solving it.

circumvent the difficulty

Similar to 'get around', but implies a more strategic or clever avoidance of the issue.

navigate the challenge

Highlights the skill and effort required to successfully deal with a complex situation.

rise above the problem

Suggests elevating oneself beyond the negative influence or impact of the issue.

conquer the difficulty

Implies a complete and decisive victory over the problem.

FAQs

What does "surmount the problem" mean?

The phrase "surmount the problem" means to overcome a difficulty or obstacle. It suggests successfully dealing with a challenge.

What can I say instead of "surmount the problem"?

You can use alternatives like "overcome the challenge", "resolve the issue", or "address the difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "solve the problem" or "surmount the problem"?

"Solve the problem" is more general and widely applicable. "Surmount the problem" implies overcoming a particularly significant or difficult obstacle. The best choice depends on the specific context.

How formal is the phrase "surmount the problem"?

The phrase "surmount the problem" is relatively formal. It's more appropriate for academic, professional, or news-related contexts than for casual conversation.