tackle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tackle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how to address or deal with a problem, challenge, or task. Example: "We need to tackle the issue of climate change with urgency and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paris is aware that if it is unable to tackle the issue of its pension shortfall, France's triple-A credit rating may be cut.

The New York Times

Hollywood also found it easier to tackle these issues through the prism of the musical, as in 1957's The Pajama Game, where Doris Day and her factory superintendent resolve their industrial dispute by falling in love.

The Guardian - Film

Method: Attempts to tackle the resulting problem of soil fertility have largely flopped so far.

The Guardian

Other demonstrators said there was no political will to tackle issues around racism and inequality.

The Guardian

Most weeks on Match of the Day you see at least one wild tackle that the panel agree should have been punished by dismissal.

The Guardian - Sport

Billing it as an alternative to "lame-stream" TV and partnered with new media group Tapp, Palin promises to tackle ideas "Washington doesn't want you to hear" and to "cut through the media's politically correct filter".

The Guardian

"I also welcome the fact that Queen's has shown the corporate courage to tackle sensitive and controversial and potentially divisive issues".

The Guardian

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, told reporters on Sunday that all proposals to tackle the problem of violence against women should be considered.

The Guardian

Humanity has the ability to tackle climate change – it just lacks the inclination.

The Guardian

The 1985 Bears were bona fide pop cultural icons – punky QB Jim McMahon would join the show later that season ahead of Super Bowl while Walter Payton and Mike Ditka also made appearances – yet none came with the fanfare of Chicago's 335lb defensive tackle and occasional short-yardage runner.

The Guardian - Sport

With a group of eight others, including the Guardian's Larry Elliot, I have co-authored a proposal for a Green New Deal to tackle what is, in reality, a 'triple crunch': economic recession, accelerating climate change, and rising oil prices underpinned by an encroaching peak in oil production.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to sports, remember that the word "tackle" has specific and technical meanings. Ensure the context makes your intended meaning clear.

Common error

Avoid using "tackle" when a more nuanced or collaborative approach is required. The word can sometimes imply aggression or a lack of sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The word "tackle" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it signifies the act of confronting or dealing with a problem. As a noun, it can refer to equipment or a specific action in sports, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tackle" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, widely used across various contexts ranging from sports to problem-solving. Ludwig AI confirms that "tackle" is grammatically correct and very common. It’s particularly prevalent in news and media, and sports reporting. When choosing "tackle", consider the potential connotations of direct confrontation. Alternatives like "address" or "handle" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address

Focuses on confronting or dealing with a situation, often suggesting a more direct approach than "tackle".

confront

Emphasizes facing a challenge or problem directly, sometimes with the implication of conflict.

deal with

A general term for handling a situation, problem, or task, less forceful than "tackle".

handle

Suggests managing or controlling a situation, task, or object effectively.

take on

Indicates accepting a responsibility or challenge, often implying a willingness to exert effort.

contend with

Implies struggling or competing with something, often a difficult or persistent challenge.

grapple with

Suggests a close and difficult struggle to understand or overcome a problem.

overcome

Highlights the act of successfully defeating or resolving a challenge or obstacle.

work through

Emphasizes a process of gradually resolving a problem by careful effort.

get to grips with

Implies making an effort to understand and control something, particularly a complex issue.

FAQs

How can I use "tackle" in a sentence?

You can use "tackle" to describe addressing a problem, as in, "The government is working to "tackle climate change"". It can also refer to a move in sports where you bring an opponent to the ground.

What are some alternatives to the verb "tackle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "address", "handle", "deal with", or "confront". For example, instead of "tackle the problem", you could say "address the problem".

Is "tackle" formal or informal?

The word "tackle" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it often refers to addressing complex issues, while in informal settings, it might refer to sports or everyday challenges.

What does "tackle" mean in sports?

In sports like football and rugby, "tackle" refers to the act of stopping an opponent by grabbing or knocking them to the ground. It's a key defensive maneuver to prevent the opponent from advancing.