to acknowledge a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to acknowledge a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the recognition or admission of an issue or difficulty that needs to be addressed. Example: "In order to move forward, it is essential to acknowledge a problem before seeking solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But by April, it was forced to acknowledge a problem.

The New York Times

However, we were making a genuine attempt to acknowledge a problem and to work sensitively together to address it.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, during the October conference call Lewis appeared to acknowledge a problem stemming from decisions taken by previous management, when he said: "There was, strategically and significantly, a very deliberate decision taken a long time ago on sale-and-leaseback.

The Guardian - Business

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, seemed to acknowledge a problem when Mr. Heisbourg asked why the European Union reaction to events in the Middle East and North Africa had been so "slow and stiff," and whether the group should reassess its structures.

The New York Times

It's one thing being armed with information to reach out or offer help to an individual; it's quite another for that individual to acknowledge a problem or accept help – whether this be due to stigma, fear of medical practitioners or the stubbornness of mental illness.

The Guardian - Tech

If you're afraid to acknowledge a problem, then it's impossible to fix it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The closest she came to acknowledging a problem with the intelligence used by Mr. Bush in making a case for the war came when she told CBS that "what we have is evidence that there are differences between what we knew going in and what we found on the ground".

The New York Times

Neither insider Republicans nor insider Democrats are willing to acknowledge a systemic problem with America's democracy.

The New Yorker

An inept administrative machinery, lack of coordination, a myopic vision and of course, the unwillingness to acknowledge a growing problem have all, in part, contributed to the bloodshed," they argue.

The New York Times

The complaint describes a school storage shed dubbed the "Mars Hotel" that was littered with old condoms, alleges the school's refusal to acknowledge a systemic problem even after the rector's own wife was solicited for a "Senior Salute"—the moniker for a campus hookup ritual and cites a report that administrators ignored a prior warning about Labrie's aggressive sexual advances.

Vice

In fact if anything, the failure to acknowledge an obvious problem by the liberal side is going to give the space to outright reactionaries and racists like Donald Trump.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to acknowledge a problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates what steps will follow the acknowledgement, such as investigation, solution implementation, or policy change.

Common error

Avoid vaguely "acknowledging a problem" without specifying its nature. Be precise about the problem's specifics to facilitate effective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to acknowledge a problem" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a verb's complement or functioning as an adverbial modifier to express purpose. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to acknowledge a problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the recognition of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while the phrase is not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific domains. It is crucial to follow up acknowledgment with concrete actions or solutions. Related phrases include "to recognize an issue" and "to admit a difficulty". Remember to be precise and avoid vagueness when acknowledging a problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to recognize an issue

Focuses on identifying an issue, suggesting a broader scope than just a "problem".

to admit a difficulty

Emphasizes the act of confessing to a challenge or obstacle.

to concede an error

Highlights the acceptance of a mistake or fault.

to recognize a challenge

Frames the problem as a "challenge", often implying an opportunity for growth or overcoming adversity.

to confront an issue

Suggests directly addressing and dealing with the issue at hand.

to face up to a problem

Emphasizes the bravery and honesty needed to deal with the problem.

to own up to a mistake

Implies taking responsibility for an error, focusing on personal accountability.

to come to terms with an issue

Highlights the acceptance of an issue after a period of struggle or denial.

to appreciate the gravity of the situation

Stresses the importance of understanding how severe or important the situation is.

to take cognizance of an issue

Implies formally recognizing and considering an issue, often in an official or legal context.

FAQs

How can I use "to acknowledge a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "to acknowledge a problem" to introduce the recognition of an issue. For example, "The first step in solving any crisis is "to acknowledge a problem" exists."

What are some alternatives to "to acknowledge a problem"?

Alternatives include "to recognize an issue", "to admit a difficulty", or "to concede an error". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "acknowledge a problem" or "address a problem"?

"To acknowledge a problem" means recognizing its existence, while "to address a problem" implies taking action to solve it. Acknowledgement often precedes addressing the issue.

What's the difference between "to acknowledge a problem" and "to deny a problem"?

"To acknowledge a problem" means to admit that an issue exists. "To deny a problem" is the opposite – to refuse to admit its existence, even when evidence suggests otherwise.