to recognize a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to recognize 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: "In order to find a solution, the first step is to recognize a problem that exists within the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It teaches you to recognize a problem, get to its core and solve it.

The New York Times

The move is an unusually swift reaction to the failure of industry and regulators to recognize a problem with Firestone tires on Ford Explorers.

The New York Times

While educators said they welcomed the mayor's acceptance of responsibility, some said they were baffled that it took until now for officials to recognize a problem that principals and deans have complained about since the opening of school in September.

The New York Times

The move is an unusually swift reaction to the failure of industry and regulators to recognize a problem with Bridgestone/Firestone tires on Ford Explorers until more than 100 people had been killed.

The New York Times

The Common Core is not an attempt to pack kids' heads with an officially sanctioned list of facts, but to assure that they are able to read a complicated text and understand it, to recognize a problem and know how to solve it.

The New York Times

Lawrence Mass, one of the early New York physicians to recognize a problem, contacted the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta in April 1981 to inquire if rumors of a gay disease were true; the rumors were denied, and we see the text from an issue of The New York Native from that May in which Dr. Mass reassures readers.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

That view, he said, fails to recognize a major problem.

The New York Times - Health

But the most common deterrent is a failure to recognize a hearing problem in young children.

The New York Times - Science

Parents, college administrators, peers and community leaders need to work together to teach students how to recognize a drinking problem, where to go for help and that long-term alcohol abuse can affect the mind and body.

The New York Times

From a health literacy framework, "sleep health literacy" denotes the knowledge, motivation, and competencies to promote healthy sleep and to recognize a sleep problem.

Sleep Health

This could be due to the fact that educated mothers are more likely to recognize a health problem and thus seek medical care [ 35].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to recognize a problem", ensure that you clearly define the problem being recognized to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "it's important to recognize a problem", specify "it's important to recognize the problem of declining sales figures".

Common error

Avoid using "to recognize a problem" without specifying the context or nature of the problem. Overgeneralization can dilute the impact of your message and leave the audience unclear about what exactly needs attention. For instance, avoid saying "people fail to recognize a problem"; instead, state "people fail to recognize the systemic problem of underfunding in public schools".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to recognize a problem" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it typically precedes a verb, explaining the reason or intention behind an action. For instance, "...it teaches you to recognize a problem, get to its core and solve it."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to recognize a problem" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase that serves to emphasize the crucial initial step in problem-solving. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. It indicates the purpose or intention behind an action, highlighting the need to identify and acknowledge an issue before addressing it. Related phrases include "to identify an issue", "to detect a challenge" and "to discern a difficulty". When using the phrase, be sure to specify the problem being recognized to avoid vagueness. Acknowledging the problem enables you to come up with real solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to identify an issue

Focuses on pinpointing a specific issue rather than generally acknowledging a problem.

to realize there's a problem

Focuses on the moment of understanding that a problem exists.

to detect a challenge

Highlights the act of spotting a challenge that needs to be addressed.

to discern a difficulty

Emphasizes the perception and understanding of a difficult situation.

to perceive an obstacle

Focuses on noticing something that hinders progress.

to become aware of an issue

Highlights the process of gaining consciousness about a specific issue.

to acknowledge a concern

Emphasizes the act of admitting that something is worrisome or problematic.

to spot an anomaly

Highlights the act of noticing something unusual or out of the ordinary.

to diagnose an issue

Implies a more in-depth analysis and identification, like a medical diagnosis.

to understand a predicament

Focuses on grasping the nature and implications of a difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "to recognize a problem" to introduce a solution or highlight the need for action. For example: "The first step to addressing climate change is "to recognize a problem" exists".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "to identify an issue", "to detect a challenge", or "to discern a difficulty". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "recognize a problem" or "identify a problem"?

"Recognize a problem" and "identify a problem" are similar, but "identify" suggests a more precise and analytical approach. Use "recognize" for a general acknowledgment and "identify" when you need to pinpoint specific aspects of the issue.

Why is it important to "recognize a problem" before solving it?

Failing "to recognize a problem" prevents you from taking necessary steps to resolve it. Acknowledging the issue is the foundational step for developing effective solutions.