troubleshoot

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "troubleshoot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word to refer to the act of solving a technical problem. For example, "The IT team had to spend hours troubleshooting the issue with the office's network connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Did you notice that the guy was a bachelor," said Tim Dowling, the boss of Pure Networks, a software firm in Seattle that helps users to set up and troubleshoot home-computer networks.

The Economist

Those products are often used in combination with environmental modifications such as grab bars, roll-in or seated shower-stall modifications, and nonslip flooring, which are then coupled with individually customized plans to manage and troubleshoot routine bathroom activities, such as strategies for transferring safely and efficiently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kinnear's arrival has, however, been with a remit to troubleshoot as a more powerful figure than either Pardew or Carr and to report directly to owner, Mike Ashley.

Independent

Finally, we troubleshoot and look for room for improvement, often sat in a boardroom with a working prototype in front of us, studying it objectively like antique collectors or research scientists, looking for anything that might be considered a defect or a potential issue.

Independent

Insomniacs need doctors who will work with us to troubleshoot our condition; we do not need doctors who have been scared into a one-size-fits-all solution, when one size so obviously does not fit all.

The New York Times

Translation: You can spend less on advertising by getting customers to peddle your product to their friends; and you can spend less on customer service by nudging customers to troubleshoot for each other online.

The New York Times

Drug companies have been hard at work over the past three decades, marketing meds to troubleshoot our faulty brain chemistry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each pipe has its own identification tag, the better to troubleshoot water leaks (one burst the first day he turned on the heat last fall).

The New York Times

If the winmail.dat file needs to be opened to read the message or its intended file attachment, there are a few ways to troubleshoot.

The New York Times - Tech

Prices start at $5,000, which will get you a couple of printers, support staff to install, troubleshoot problems and keep them loaded with plenty of paper, and rental of a few iPod touches for folks who haven't jumped on the iBandwagon.

The New York Times

"I want to get to that point where I would troubleshoot and not kill my back anymore," said Mr. Loaiza, who currently does nonunion electrical and mechanical elevator work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about technical issues, use "troubleshoot" to indicate a systematic approach to problem-solving. For instance, instead of saying "fix the problem", use "troubleshoot the issue" to convey a more methodical approach.

Common error

While "troubleshoot" is a useful term, it is best suited for technical contexts. In non-technical situations, consider using alternatives like "resolve", "address", or "solve" to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "troubleshoot" is as a verb, indicating the act of analyzing and solving problems, particularly technical ones. As Ludwig indicates, it describes a methodical approach to identifying and resolving issues. Examples show it used actively across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

19%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "troubleshoot" is a versatile verb primarily used to describe the process of identifying and resolving technical problems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence in News & Media, Formal & Business and Encyclopedias contexts. While generally neutral to professional in register, it's most appropriate for situations involving systematic problem-solving. Remember to use it to convey a methodical approach to technical issues and consider alternatives like "resolve the issue" or "diagnose the problem" in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diagnose the problem

Focuses specifically on identifying the issue, a key step in troubleshooting.

resolve the issue

Highlights the act of finding a solution and fixing the problem.

debug the system

Specifically refers to finding and removing errors in a system, especially software.

fix the malfunction

Emphasizes correcting a fault or failure in operation.

rectify the situation

Suggests correcting something that is wrong or undesirable.

remedy the defect

Implies fixing a flaw or imperfection.

sort out the difficulty

Indicates resolving a problem or complicated situation.

iron out the kinks

Focuses on removing minor problems or imperfections.

straighten out the snag

Implies resolving an unexpected obstacle or difficulty.

untangle the mess

Suggests resolving a complicated or confusing situation.

FAQs

How can I use "troubleshoot" in a sentence?

You can use "troubleshoot" to describe the process of identifying and resolving problems, especially technical ones. For example, "The team had to troubleshoot the network connection" or "I spent the afternoon troubleshooting my computer's software issues".

What are some alternatives to "troubleshoot"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "troubleshoot" include "diagnose the problem", "resolve the issue", or "fix the malfunction".

When is it appropriate to use "troubleshoot"?

"Troubleshoot" is appropriate when discussing technical or mechanical problems that require systematic diagnosis and resolution. It is less suitable for general problem-solving in non-technical contexts.

What's the difference between "troubleshoot" and "fix"?

"Fix" implies a direct solution to a problem, while "troubleshoot" suggests a more methodical and investigative approach to identifying and resolving the issue. You might fix something quickly, but you troubleshoot when the solution isn't immediately apparent.