the problem to be solved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem to be solved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific issue that requires a solution or resolution. Example: "In our meeting, we identified the problem to be solved as the declining sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem to be solved had to be clearly defined.

Harvard Business Review

"I expected the problem to be solved on cars on race day," says Levandowski.

The Guardian - Tech

The problem to be solved is not the deficit; it is overspending.

The New York Times

Advisers must gather intelligence to develop a clearer picture of the problem to be solved.

Harvard Business Review

For example, it is often important to spend time agreeing on the problem to be solved.

Harvard Business Review

Access to the Arctic Ocean has always been the problem to be solved.

The New York Times

It doesn't give them resources to solve the problem, but still expects the problem to be solved.

The New York Times

The problem to be solved is usually one of maintaining a particular condition, such as A in Figure 1.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

States and communities cannot develop appropriate housing policies without a tangible definition of the problem to be solved.

MIT Technology Review

In short, scrutinize the advice as closely as your adviser scrutinized your description of the problem to be solved.

Harvard Business Review

"We are talking with Apple and expect the problem to be solved by the end of this year," Yi said.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining a project's scope, clearly articulate "the problem to be solved" to ensure all stakeholders share a common understanding and work towards a unified goal.

Common error

Avoid vague or overly broad definitions of "the problem to be solved". A well-defined problem statement facilitates effective solutions and prevents wasted effort on tangential issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem to be solved" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific issue requiring resolution. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to clearly define the objective of a task, project, or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the problem to be solved" is a commonly used phrase that serves to clearly define a specific issue needing resolution. As Ludwig AI clarifies, its grammatical structure is correct and appropriate for a range of contexts, from news and media to science and business. It emphasizes the importance of defining a clear objective before attempting to find solutions. When crafting content, remember to use this phrase to establish a clear focus and avoid ambiguity, ensuring all participants understand the core challenge. Alternatives like ""the challenge to address"" or ""the issue at hand"" can offer stylistic variation while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the challenge to address

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and uses "to address" instead of "to be solved", focusing on taking action.

the issue at hand

Uses "issue" instead of "problem" and "at hand" to indicate immediacy and focus.

the question to answer

Frames the problem as a "question", suggesting an inquiry that needs a response.

the puzzle to figure out

Emphasizes the complexity and intellectual effort required to understand and resolve the problem, framing it as a "puzzle".

the matter to resolve

Substitutes "problem" with "matter", implying a situation that requires attention and a solution.

the task to accomplish

Highlights the work needed to overcome the problem, framing it as a "task".

the obstacle to overcome

Focuses on the hindrance or barrier that the problem presents, using "obstacle".

the difficulty to tackle

Uses "difficulty" instead of "problem", suggesting a challenge that requires effort and skill to address.

the aim to achieve

Replaces "problem" with "aim", shifting the focus to the desired outcome rather than the initial issue.

the objective to reach

Similar to "aim", but frames the resolution as an "objective", emphasizing the strategic and planned nature of finding a solution.

FAQs

How can I use "the problem to be solved" in a sentence?

You can use "the problem to be solved" to introduce the core issue your project or discussion addresses, for instance, "The primary focus of this initiative is to clearly define "the problem to be solved" before exploring potential solutions."

What is a more concise way to express "the problem to be solved"?

Alternatives include "the challenge to address" or "the issue at hand", which can be more direct depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the problem to solve" or "the problem to be solved"?

"The problem to be solved" is generally preferred in formal writing because it specifies that the problem requires an active solution, whereas "the problem to solve" might sound incomplete.

What's the difference between "the problem to be solved" and "the solution to the problem"?

"The problem to be solved" refers to the issue that needs resolution, while "the solution to the problem" refers to the method or strategy that resolves that issue. One is the starting point; the other is the desired outcome.