to address a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to address a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of dealing with or finding a solution to an issue or challenge. Example: "The committee met to address a problem that had been affecting the community for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

D.S.M.-III was created to address a problem.

The New Yorker

"Before you even begin to address a problem, you've got to acknowledge it".

The New York Times

Very often self-tracking solutions are marketed as ways to address a problem.

The Guardian - Tech

"We want to address a problem mainly in the center of the city, of graffiti," he said.

The New York Times

To address a problem and prevent its recurrence one should fight its roots rather than its consequence.

The New York Times

Mr. Waxman defended the deal making as necessary to address a problem that affected every region and every industry.

The New York Times

His intervention also seeks to address a problem that the coalition continues to face, namely that it remains southern heavy.

The Guardian

"These are momentous steps," he said, "but they are being taken to address a problem of historic dimensions".

The New York Times

"You can't start to address a problem until you have the information about what and where the problem is".

The New York Times

The Cinema Arts Center's fourth annual Huntington International Film Festival is intended to address a problem for foreign films.

The New York Times

"These are momentous steps," Mr. Bernanke said, "but they are being taken to address a problem of historic dimensions".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to address a problem", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or strategy being employed to deal with the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "to address a problem" without specifying which facet of the problem you are tackling. Being too broad can make your statement vague and unactionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to address a problem" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express the purpose or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and widely accepted construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to address a problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the intention to deal with an issue. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently found in news, science, and business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like ""to resolve a problem"" or ""to solve a problem"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ensure you specify which aspect of the problem you intend to address to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to resolve a problem

Focuses on finding a solution, emphasizing the completion of the task.

to solve a problem

Highlights the act of finding an answer or solution.

to tackle a problem

Emphasizes a direct and energetic approach to dealing with a problem.

to handle a problem

Indicates managing or dealing with a problem effectively.

to manage a problem

Implies ongoing oversight and control of a problem.

to confront a problem

Suggests facing a problem directly and openly.

to rectify a problem

Focuses on correcting or fixing a problem that is wrong or undesirable.

to ameliorate a problem

Indicates making a problem less severe or more bearable.

to mitigate a problem

Emphasizes reducing the severity or impact of a problem.

to navigate a problem

Suggests carefully guiding oneself through a complex or challenging problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "to address a problem" to introduce the purpose of an action or strategy, such as, "The new policy was implemented "to address a problem" with employee retention."

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

Alternatives include "to resolve a problem", "to solve a problem", or "to tackle a problem", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "address a problem" or "solve a problem"?

"Address a problem" implies taking steps to deal with it, while "solve a problem" suggests finding a complete solution. The best choice depends on whether you're focusing on the process or the outcome.

What does it mean to "address" something?

To "address" something means to give attention to or deal with a matter or problem. It doesn't necessarily mean solving it completely, but rather taking action to manage or improve the situation.