uncover a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"uncover a problem" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something difficult or hidden has become clear. For example, "The audit uncovered a problem with the company's financial records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But think about what scientists do when they uncover a problem: they try to solve it.

The New York Times

But it took a waste audit financed by the Environmental Protection Agency to uncover a problem no one at the hospital had really thought about.

The New York Times - Magazine

We leave Clinty to visit Cornelius' dad Sean and we uncover a problem between he and Amy.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uncovered a problem with the cars' electronic stability control system.

The New York Times

This group has uncovered a problem at the heart of sustainable marketing that's both obvious and yet ubiquitous.

The Guardian

When Callum Murray's painting contractor's business was owed a considerable amount of money by two clients seven years ago, he uncovered a problem with the law familiar to many.

The Guardian

Mr. Menchini said setting up the database uncovered a problem with the city's day-to-day operations that had long gone unnoticed: there were overlapping jurisdictions among departments that resulted, at times, in confusion, delays and squabbling over who was responsible for fixing a particular problem.

The New York Times

"Pressing for details might mean uncovering a problem that could not be ignored.

Forbes

The GAO report uncovered a problem with the sensors that was never mentioned in unclassified materials, government officials say.

Science Magazine

We uncovered a problem in automated protein subfamily identification and classification, for example in PhyloFacts (phylogenomics.berkeley.edu/phylofacts/), by which no less than 42 subfamilies were documented inside the cystatin superfamily.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Saracens may well be about to uncover a serious problem but the solving of it could prove more problematic yet.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncover a problem" to describe the process of making a previously hidden issue apparent, especially after investigation or analysis. For instance, "The investigation uncovered a problem with data security."

Common error

Avoid using "uncover a problem" when 'find' or 'discover' is more appropriate. "Uncover" implies a deeper, more concealed issue. Use it when the problem was not easily visible initially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncover a problem" functions as a verb phrase where "uncover" is the main verb and "a problem" serves as the direct object. It describes the action of revealing or discovering an issue that was previously hidden or unknown. Ludwig provides numerous examples where similar patterns are used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncover a problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of revealing a previously hidden issue. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and provides contextual examples from reputable sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "identify an issue" or "detect a problem" exist, "uncover a problem" specifically implies revealing something concealed. Therefore, understanding its proper usage ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify an issue

Focuses on recognizing and naming the specific problem.

detect a problem

Emphasizes noticing or becoming aware of a problem that exists.

discover an issue

Stresses finding something previously unknown, like "uncover".

reveal a difficulty

Highlights the act of making a hidden problem apparent.

expose a flaw

Focuses on bringing a defect or weakness to light.

diagnose a problem

Implies a careful examination to identify the exact nature of the problem.

pinpoint a difficulty

Highlights the act of identifying something with high precision.

determine an issue

Suggests establishing the existence or nature of the problem after investigation.

find a fault

Focuses on locating an imperfection or error.

recognize a problem

Emphasizes acknowledging the existence of an issue.

FAQs

How can I use "uncover a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "uncover a problem" to describe the act of revealing a previously hidden issue. For example, "The audit "uncovered a problem" with the company's finances."

What are some alternatives to "uncover a problem"?

Alternatives include "identify an issue", "detect a problem", or "discover an issue". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "uncover a problem" formal or informal?

"Uncover a problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news, business, and academic writing.

What's the difference between "uncover a problem" and "find a problem"?

"Uncover a problem" implies that the issue was hidden or not easily apparent, requiring some effort to reveal it. "Find a problem" is more general and suggests simply locating an existing issue.