tackling a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tackling a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of addressing or dealing with an issue or challenge. Example: "The team is focused on tackling a problem that has been affecting our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Our MBA programme therefore emphasises the need to integrate multiple disciplines when tackling a problem.

The Economist

Involving local farmers in tackling a problem can provide long-lasting benefits.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Physics has played a useful role in tackling a problem of great technical importance in biology.

Les Houches

When tackling a problem, researchers routinely look to the work of those that have gone before them.

Cornell University

Tackling a problem from the business world can help resolve the internal dilemma that surrounds the winner's curse.

Harvard University

But he comes across as a very genial young guy, and he's tackling a problem that everyone else has avoided as politically toxic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It takes real effort to tackle a problem like this".

The New York Times

The difficulty is finding an approach that can tackle a problem so vast.

Independent

More confident do-it-yourselfers may tackle a problem on their own.

The New York Times - Tech

There is nothing more powerful than getting a group of people to tackle a problem.

Cornell University

Finally, we tackle a problem of replication among rational nodes in multiple administrative domains.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about problem-solving, consider specifying the methodology or approach used when "tackling a problem" to add depth and clarity to your description.

Common error

Avoid vague uses of "tackling a problem" without explaining the specific actions taken. Ensure you detail the steps or strategies involved in addressing the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tackling a problem" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun, to describe the act of addressing or attempting to resolve an issue. Ludwig's examples show its versatility in describing various contexts, from business to science.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

28%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tackling a problem" is a versatile gerund phrase that effectively conveys the action of addressing or attempting to solve a challenge. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While the phrase is suitable for various registers, it's essential to provide specific details about the methods or strategies employed. Alternatives such as "addressing an issue" or "confronting a challenge" can be used to add nuance. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate the phrase "tackling a problem" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

addressing an issue

Focuses on formally dealing with a specific issue.

confronting a challenge

Emphasizes facing a difficult situation directly.

resolving a difficulty

Highlights the act of finding a solution to a difficult situation.

handling a situation

Implies managing or controlling a specific situation, potentially problematic.

dealing with a matter

Suggests attending to or taking care of a particular matter or concern.

grappling with a dilemma

Implies a more intense struggle with a complex or perplexing problem.

combating an obstacle

Focuses on actively fighting against an impediment.

overcoming an adversity

Highlights the act of successfully prevailing against hardship.

managing a crisis

Specifically refers to handling an urgent or critical problem.

working through a snag

Indicates methodically resolving a small and unexpected problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "tackling a problem" to describe the act of addressing or attempting to solve an issue. For instance, "The company is "tackling a problem" related to supply chain inefficiencies."

What are some alternatives to "tackling a problem"?

Alternatives include "addressing an issue", "confronting a challenge", or "resolving a difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tackling a problem" formal or informal?

"Tackling a problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "tackling a problem" and "solving a problem"?

"Tackling a problem" implies starting to deal with something challenging, while "solving a problem" suggests a completed action, indicating the issue has been successfully resolved.