to understand a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to understand a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of comprehending or analyzing an issue or challenge. Example: "In order to find a solution, we first need to understand a problem thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

When I want to understand a problem, I want to understand it from the ground level.

The Guardian

For instance, when trying to understand a problem, setting aside your own preconceptions is vital, but it's hard.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These are situations where usually you have done a lot of hard work, on your own and often with other people, to understand a problem or a situation.

Harvard Business Review

"You can't just expect people to understand a problem by handing out literature". Mr. Polan, the Sanitation Commissioner, acknowledged that educational efforts have been lacking.

The New York Times

Problem solving is considered an essential cognitive activity wherein people are required to understand a problem, apply their knowledge, and monitor behavior to solve the issue.

Computers in Human Behavior

Mathematicians need to understand a problem only for themselves; math teachers need both to know the math and to know how 30 different minds might understand (or misunderstand) it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A straightforward data generation method and short computation time (3 10 seconds for each dataset) allow a practitioner to simulate and analyze many datasets to potentially understand a problem from many angles.

NeuroImage

Sometimes you have to walk around in another person's lab coat to really understand a problem.

Harvard University

One central tenet of the group's work is empiricism; they believe that in order to truly understand a problem, you must first measure it.

University of California, Berkeley

It is much easier for a programmer to deeply understand a problem that is primarily algorithmic.

Forbes

"He is determined, focused and wants to factually understand a problem so he can get a sensible solution.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to understand a problem", ensure you're clearly stating the purpose or goal of understanding; avoid vagueness by specifying what actions will follow from that understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a superficial reading is enough. Allocate enough time and attention to detail to have an exhaustive understanding of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to understand a problem" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express purpose or reason. As shown in Ludwig, it connects an action with the goal of comprehending an issue, fitting into a broader sentence structure to explain intent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to understand a problem" serves as a purpose connector, commonly used across diverse fields like news, academia, and science. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is to express the intention or reason behind an action, emphasizing the importance of comprehension before attempting to solve or address an issue. While grammaticaly correct, remember the importance of time allocation when using this phrase. With the related phrases, you have multiple options for rewriting "to understand a problem", like "to comprehend an issue" or "to grasp the problem".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to comprehend an issue

Focuses on grasping the nature of the issue.

to grasp the problem

Emphasizes obtaining a firm understanding.

to analyze a problem

Highlights the analytical process of understanding.

to decipher a challenge

Implies unraveling a complex problem.

to get to the bottom of a problem

Suggests finding the root cause.

to figure out the issue

Focuses on finding a solution through understanding.

to make sense of a difficulty

Emphasizes creating clarity from confusion.

to appreciate the intricacies of a problem

Highlights recognizing and valuing the details of the problem.

to assess the nature of the problem

Involves formally evaluating and characterizing the problem.

to diagnose the root cause of the problem

Emphasizes identifying the fundamental origin of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "to understand a problem" to introduce the reason or purpose behind an action. For example, "In order to devise an effective solution, we first need to understand a problem thoroughly."

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

Alternatives include "to comprehend an issue", "to grasp the problem", or "to analyze a problem", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "understand a problem" or "understand the problem"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "understand the problem" is generally preferred when referring to a specific, pre-defined problem. "Understand a problem" is more suitable when referring to a general type of issue.

How important is it to thoroughly "understand a problem" before proposing solutions?

Thoroughly "understand a problem" is crucial. Rushing to solutions without proper understanding can lead to ineffective or even harmful outcomes. Effective problem-solving starts with thorough comprehension.