to recognise a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to recognise a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of identifying or acknowledging an issue or difficulty that needs to be addressed. Example: "The first step in solving any issue is to recognise a problem before attempting to find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When will people begin to recognise a problem for what it is?

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet it is one thing to recognise a problem, and quite another to do something about it.

The Economist

If the mark of a top-class jockey is an ability to recognise a problem in the heat of battle and act fast to solve it, then James Doyle unquestionably has what it takes.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Patient complaints provide a valuable source of insight into safety-related problems within healthcare organisations. 1 Patients are sensitive to, and able to recognise, a range of problems in healthcare delivery, 2 some of which are not identified by traditional systems of healthcare monitoring (eg, incident reporting systems, retrospective case reviews).

BMJ Quality and Safety

Hence, the focus on the CHC-nurses' prevention practices is of great importance since they have the possibility to recognise a child's eventual overweight problems and have the potential to prevent further weight gain that is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle that leads to obesity at an earlier stage in life.

BMC Family Practice

In fact, the sounds of the corresponding drums in different kits may differ considerably (e.g., depending on the tension of the skin, the use of muffling in case of kick drum, or the instrument used to hit the drum that can be a mallet, a stick, rods, or brushes) and using only two examples of a certain drum category to recognise a third one is a difficult problem.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Unfortunately, recognising a problem is not the same as finding a solution.

The Guardian

John Wallace, a Yackandandah resident, recognised a problem that needed immediate action and set about solving it.

The Guardian

Duflo recognised a problem: low immunisation rates, as low as 2% in greater Udaipur.

The Guardian

Deena (focus group 3): I think it [has] actually given a good sort of addition to my toolbox... because once you understand your patients, it's so much easier... sometimes all they want is to be listened to... listen to what they have to say... what they want is empathy and understanding and to recognise their problem as a valid problem... it has really helped me.

BMC Medical Education

This placed family members/friends in a position to recognise the problem and to understand its true severity and impact.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about problem-solving, clearly state that the first step is "to recognise a problem". This sets the stage for subsequent actions and demonstrates a proactive approach.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "to recognise a problem" automatically leads to a solution. Emphasize that recognition is only the initial step and further action is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to recognise a problem" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as the subject complement or to express purpose. Based on Ludwig, the phrase indicates an initial step in addressing a challenge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to recognise a problem" is a crucial initial step in any problem-solving process. It's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While relatively uncommon, it's frequently seen in news, media, and scientific domains. Remembering that recognising a problem is distinct from solving it is essential. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "to identify an issue" or "to acknowledge a challenge". This ensures effective communication about addressing difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to identify an issue

Focuses on pinpointing a specific concern or difficulty.

to acknowledge a challenge

Highlights the acceptance of a demanding situation.

to discern an obstacle

Implies perceiving a hindrance that requires resolution.

to detect a difficulty

Emphasizes noticing a problematic circumstance.

to perceive a snag

Suggests noticing a minor problem or complication.

to pinpoint a trouble

Implies precisely identifying the source of distress.

to understand a predicament

Focuses on grasping the nature of a difficult situation.

to realize a complication

Highlights the awareness of an intricacy or difficulty.

to become aware of an issue

Stresses the process of gaining knowledge about a problem.

to face up to a difficulty

Emphasizes confronting a troublesome situation directly.

FAQs

What does "to recognise a problem" mean?

The phrase "to recognise a problem" means to identify, acknowledge, or become aware of an issue, difficulty, or challenge that needs attention or resolution.

What can I say instead of "to recognise a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "to identify an issue", "to acknowledge a challenge", or "to detect a difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it enough to just "recognise a problem"?

No, recognising a problem is only the first step. Addressing it requires further action, such as analyzing the problem, developing solutions, and implementing those solutions.

How do you use "to recognise a problem" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The first step in solving any issue is to recognise a problem before attempting to find a solution." or "It's important to recognise a problem early to prevent it from escalating."