to resolve something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to resolve something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of finding a solution or settling a problem or issue. Example: "The team met to resolve the ongoing conflict between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She knew I had to resolve something".

The New York Times

IT TOOK a little more than 48 hours for Condoleezza Rice to resolve something that Israeli and Palestinian officials at all levels and despite the considerable persuasive powers of James Wolfensohn, the former World Bank president who is now a Middle East peace envoy had been arguing about for five months.

The Economist

'At the end of the day, you have to resolve something on legal principles and you're not going to do something different just because you're a man or a woman.' Since stepping down in 2006, O'Connor's absence on the Court has been mourned by many, who are discomforted by its ideological shift to the right.

The Guardian

"We're in discussions with David's representatives to try to resolve something with David, but Colin's gone back [to Galatasaray]," said Shaw. "Colin did fine for us, but he's highly paid.

BBC

If I am going to resolve something, could it be to capture that down-time feeling all year long?

Huffington Post

And the last thing I need in the crazy profession I picked is to resolve something that I might end up being unable to complete -- which would leave me feeling disappointed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I kind of flew in expecting to maybe resolve something in our first go-round, but that didn't happen," Cashman said.

The New York Times

"It can be rewarding, when you resolve something in a way that is satisfying to everyone.

The New York Times

"Hopefully, we can resolve something after we have reviewed the injury situation," said Pearce.

BBC

"We hope that we can try and resolve something next week if we possibly can and we'll see what develops".

BBC

He's aware of that and I'm hopeful that we can resolve something in our favour".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to resolve something", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being resolved. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to resolve something" when the object is unclear. Replace it with a more specific phrase like "to resolve the dispute" or "to settle the issue" to provide better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to resolve something" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or as part of a larger verb phrase. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from personal issues to legal principles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to resolve something" is a grammatically correct and usable infinitive phrase that expresses the act of finding a solution or settling an issue. While Ludwig indicates that it is a standard phrase, its frequency is uncommon. It fits seamlessly into neutral and professional registers. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; specifying what is being resolved enhances understanding. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "to address an issue" or "to settle a matter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to address an issue

Focuses on tackling or dealing with a specific issue.

to settle a matter

Implies bringing a matter to a conclusion or agreement.

to fix a problem

Emphasizes repairing or correcting a problem.

to solve a problem

Highlights finding a solution to a specific problem.

to sort out a difficulty

Suggests organizing or clarifying a difficult situation.

to clear up a misunderstanding

Specifically refers to resolving a misunderstanding.

to rectify a situation

Implies correcting or making a situation right.

to reconcile differences

Focuses on bringing opposing viewpoints into agreement.

to remedy a defect

Highlights correcting a flaw or imperfection.

to iron out a wrinkle

Suggests smoothing out a minor problem or obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "to resolve something" in a sentence?

You can use "to resolve something" when you're discussing the act of finding a solution or settling a problem. For example: "The team met to resolve the ongoing conflict."

What can I say instead of "to resolve something"?

You can use alternatives like "to address an issue", "to settle a matter", or "to fix a problem" depending on the context.

Is "to resolve something" formal or informal?

"To resolve something" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "to rectify a situation" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "to resolve something" and "to solve something"?

While similar, "to resolve something" often implies settling a dispute or conflict, whereas "to solve something" usually refers to finding an answer to a problem or puzzle.