to be solved

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be solved" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a problem or situation that needs to be addressed and addressed in an effective way. For example, "The climate crisis is an urgent issue that needs to be solved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So it needs to be solved systematically.

The New York Times

That mystery still remains to be solved.

The Economist

That homicide had yet to be solved.

The New Yorker

It's all going to be solved.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That's got to be solved".

The New York Times

Other difficulties needed to be solved, too.

The New York Times - Tech

A problem needed to be solved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some equations remain to be solved.

The New York Times - Books

And the problem needs to be solved.

The New York Times

It's not going to be solved overnight.

The Guardian - Sport

"The problem has to be solved somehow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be solved", ensure the context clearly indicates what the problem is. For instance, instead of saying "This needs to be solved", specify, "This problem needs to be solved systematically."

Common error

Avoid overusing "to be solved" in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak. Instead, consider active voice alternatives. For example, instead of "The problem needs to be solved by the team", try "The team needs to solve the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be solved" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a predicate to indicate that something requires a solution or resolution. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to indicate a problem that needs addressing. Examples include "That mystery still remains to be solved" and "The problem has to be solved somehow".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be solved" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its primary function is to indicate that a problem or mystery requires a resolution. As analyzed, the phrase appears most often in news and media, followed by science and academic writing, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "to be solved", it is best practice to clearly specify what the problem is, while avoiding overuse in passive constructions for more impactful writing. Alternatives include ""yet to be resolved"" and "needing resolution". Its consistent usage and clarity make "to be solved" a reliable choice for expressing the need for problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet to be resolved

Similar to "to be solved" but emphasizes that the problem has not been solved as of the current time.

needing to be addressed

Focuses on the need for a problem to be addressed, rather than specifically solved.

needing resolution

Emphasizes the necessity of resolving a problem, shifting the focus to the state of needing to be resolved.

requiring a solution

Focuses on the need for a solution, highlighting the requirement rather than the action.

calling for resolution

Emphasizes the need for a resolution, suggesting a call to action.

awaiting resolution

Indicates that a problem is in a state of waiting to be resolved, suggesting a passive anticipation.

demanding a solution

Highlights the urgent need for a resolution, emphasizing the demand for a fix.

requiring attention

Stresses that a problem needs focus and consideration, indicating a demand for action.

demanding attention

Highlights the urgency of a problem that requires immediate focus and action.

open for resolution

Indicates that the problem is available and ready to be solved.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be solved" to describe a problem or mystery that needs a solution. For example, "The mystery of the missing jewels is "yet to be resolved"" or "This equation needs "to be fixed" immediately".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to be solved"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""yet to be resolved"", "needing resolution", or "requiring a solution", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "to be solved"?

While "to be solved" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The problem needs to be solved", consider "We need to solve the problem".

Which is the difference between "yet to be solved" and "to be solved"?

"yet to be solved" emphasizes that the issue remains unresolved up to the present time, while "to be solved" simply indicates that a solution is needed at some point.