to put the problem on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to put the problem on" can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a person or group is responsible for or responsible for taking action to solve a problem. For example, "The City Council decided to put the problem of air pollution on the Environmental Protection Agency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In order to put the problem on a linear form, we define x kij(m) = g kij(m)π kij.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So old man Pops explained to me the excruciating process to just put the problem on record.

Vice

Hence, it makes it possible to put the problems 'on the table', to discuss them using solid data and not on the basis of rumours or impressions.

BMC Health Services Research

With a very good argument in the president's hand — move decisively now, or watch the markets tear the European Union apart (with America's unemployment rate and Obama's re-election in the balance) — he chose to avoid singling Germany out, and instead put the problem on the back of the "Europeans".

The New York Times

I tell my clients to stop putting the problem on their partner.

Huffington Post

"Putting the problem on the horizon is very important," he continued.

The New York Times - Science

I wrote "Captive Audience" because we cannot afford to put this problem on the too-hard pile.

The New York Times

Athens was truly anxious to put the Cyprus Problem to rest, to get on with solving some of Greece's problems.

Huffington Post

Corey Furlan, Vice-President, Sofs of Ben: The last game felt like 2010: dominate the run of play, tons of opportunity, no goals to show for it... It's hard to put the finger on the problem, but the shuffling in and out of players doesn't help.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Cowen, the Irish prime minister, tried to put the emphasis on problems with Ireland's banks, not its government.

The New York Times

The patent officer's solution to this problem is to put the onus on the inventor to prove the novelty of his design, which is often a novel recombination of old parts.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to put the problem on", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for addressing the issue. For example, “The committee decided to to put the problem on the agenda for the next meeting.”

Common error

Avoid using "to put the problem on" without clearly specifying who is responsible for solving it. Ambiguity can lead to inaction or misdirected efforts. For instance, don't say "The problem was put on," clarify "The problem was put on the CEO's desk."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to put the problem on" functions as a purpose connector, often introducing an action or strategy intended to deal with a specific issue. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English, highlighting its role in assigning responsibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to put the problem on" serves to indicate the act of assigning responsibility or drawing attention to an issue, often with the aim of initiating action. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable in written English, finding use in contexts ranging from scientific discourse to news reporting. While not exceptionally frequent, its meaning is clear and consistently employed. When using this phrase, ensure you specify who or what is now responsible for the problem to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to address the problem

Focuses on directly dealing with the issue, emphasizing action.

to tackle the problem

Implies a more vigorous and determined approach to solving the problem.

to focus on the problem

Highlights the act of concentrating attention and effort on the problem.

to concentrate on the problem

Similar to focusing, but suggests a more intensive level of attention.

to consider the problem

Emphasizes the act of thinking carefully about the problem and its implications.

to examine the problem

Suggests a detailed and thorough investigation of the problem.

to analyze the problem

Implies a systematic and structured approach to understanding the problem.

to explore the problem

Highlights the act of investigating different aspects and potential solutions.

to investigate the problem

Implies a formal inquiry into the causes and effects of the problem.

to review the problem

Suggests a critical assessment of the problem and its current state.

FAQs

How can I use "to put the problem on" in a sentence?

You can use "to put the problem on" to indicate assigning responsibility or highlighting an issue. For example, "The manager decided "to put the problem on" the project team's agenda."

What does "to put the problem on" mean?

"To put the problem on" signifies bringing attention to an issue or making someone responsible for it. Similar phrases include "to address the problem" or "to tackle the problem".

What are some alternatives to "to put the problem on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to focus on the problem", "to concentrate on the problem", or "to examine the problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to put the problem on" formal or informal?

"To put the problem on" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and audience.