to discover a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

'to discover a problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a process of finding a difficulty or issue. For example, "He worked tirelessly to discover a problem with the wiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Cindy McCain was new to Washington and not yet 30 when she arrived at a luncheon for Congressional spouses to discover a problem with her name tag.

The New York Times

"I think that we make our considerations based on the considerations of the case, based on the evidence, based on the facts, and based on what's appropriate to handle if we were to discover a problem or corruption or a violation of law that led to a US case, we would move on that basis," Lynch said.

The Guardian - Sport

"We want it to subjected to maximum scrutiny; it's not in Cuadrilla's interest to discover a problem down the road," Smith says.

Science Magazine

By dividing the latter by the former, we conclude that, although those reviews were rigorous (after all, they led to the rejection of a patch), 15.6 % of the time they failed to discover a problem that was later detected by automated or manual testing.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He said he believed that Bluetooth could be used to not only discover a problem with, say, a car's transmission, but also be used to download a quick software fix without ever raising the hood.

The New York Times

We discuss the issue of economic misincentives on the mobile advertising industry to discover an inherent problem in using countermeasures against click fraud attacks.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

She may discover a problem with your braces, or switch you to a less painful treatment.

WikiHow

Don't cut and run when you discover a problem.

The Guardian

It's better to discover a broken piece or other problem now, before you attach the rest of the siren.

WikiHow

A study by Bunting and Boivin (2007) showed that often this is related to a fear of discovering a problem and these negative reactions can substantially delay seeking help in 20% of women.

Human Reproduction

"Mercedes are changing Nico Rosberg's engine to his Spa unit after discovering a problem.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to discover a problem", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or process by which the problem was found. This adds clarity and strengthens the narrative.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "to discover a problem" in formal documents can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "to identify an issue" or "to detect a flaw" for enhanced readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to discover a problem" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to express the purpose or reason behind an action. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to discover a problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of identifying an issue or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it's beneficial to consider synonyms to avoid repetition and tailor the tone to the audience. Predominantly found in news, scientific, wiki and academic settings, its communicative purpose lies in highlighting the investigative or exploratory aspect of problem identification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to identify an issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" maintaining a similar level of formality.

to detect a flaw

Substitutes "discover" with "detect" and "problem" with "flaw", suggesting a more technical context.

to uncover a difficulty

Uses "uncover" instead of "discover" and "difficulty" instead of "problem", adding a slightly more formal tone.

to find a challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing the situation as something to overcome.

to reveal a shortcoming

Emphasizes the act of making the problem known, using "shortcoming" for a more specific type of problem.

to expose a weakness

Suggests uncovering something that makes something or someone vulnerable.

to pinpoint a defect

Implies a precise and accurate identification of the problem.

to stumble upon a snag

Introduces an element of chance or accident in finding the problem, using a more informal word choice.

to experience a complication

Focuses on the occurrence of the problem, framing it as a complicating factor.

to run into a hurdle

Uses a metaphorical term "hurdle" to describe the problem as an obstacle to be overcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to discover a problem" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "to identify an issue", "to detect a flaw", or "to uncover a difficulty" to maintain a professional tone.

Is there a more informal way to say "to discover a problem"?

For informal situations, you might use phrases such as "to find a challenge" or "to run into a hurdle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "to discover a problem" and "to solve a problem"?

"To discover a problem" refers to the act of identifying or becoming aware of an issue, while "to solve a problem" implies taking action to resolve or fix the identified issue. The former is about recognition, and the latter is about resolution.

When is it appropriate to use "to discover a problem" in writing?

Use "to discover a problem" when you want to emphasize the process of finding or becoming aware of an issue, especially in contexts where the discovery itself is significant or leads to further action. It fits well in analytical reports, investigative journalism, or problem-solving scenarios.