work around this problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work around this problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to finding a creative solution to a problem or difficulty. For example: "We don't have the resources to solve this problem, so we'll have to find a way to work around it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Some consumers work around this problem by having things they buy online sent to them at the office, but this isn't a good solution for large items that later have to fit in car trunks, or be carried on bikes or public transport.

TechCrunch

Some consumers work around this problem by having things they buy online sent to them at the office, but this isn't a good solution for large items that later have to fit in car trunks, or be carried on bikes or public transport.

TechCrunch

Outsourcing has been a way to work around this problem.

The Washington Post

In preparation for that time the team is pioneering procedures to work around this problem.

The Guardian

Traditional LCDs work around this problem by turning up the backlight.

MIT Technology Review

The workaround begins hesitantly: "There are two ways to work around this problem, and one solution that has worked in some cases".

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The ship's engineers worked around the problem to keep the carrier in operation, but she was limited to 26 knots.

Wikipedia

The work-around to this problem followed in this article is to compute the ZF equalizer of the left-right mirrored MIMO channel and to deduce the ZF precoder of the MIMO channel from it.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Stroud says that Android developers are already used to working around this problem with phones.

MIT Technology Review

University of Chicago community members who have questions or need suggestions for working around this problem should contact the VRC.

University of Chicago

We worked around this problem by using paired-end reads (DDBJ dataset ERX000112) of flow-sorted X chromosomes.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work around this problem", ensure the context clearly indicates why a direct solution isn't feasible. This clarifies the need for an alternative approach.

Common error

Avoid using "work around this problem" when a straightforward solution is available. Opting for a workaround when a direct fix is possible can suggest inefficiency or a lack of problem-solving skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work around this problem" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a strategy or method used to avoid or mitigate the negative effects of an obstacle, as corroborated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work around this problem" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe finding an alternative approach when a direct solution to a problem is not feasible. As noted by Ludwig, it implies ingenuity and resourcefulness in bypassing obstacles. While versatile across various registers, it frequently appears in news, science, and general contexts. When using the phrase, consider why a direct solution isn't viable and ensure clarity in the context to convey the necessity of an alternative approach. Overusing it when a direct solution exists can be perceived as inefficient. Alternative phrases such as "circumvent this problem", "bypass this problem", and "find a workaround for this problem" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find a workaround for this problem

Emphasizes the discovery of a temporary or makeshift solution.

get around this problem

A more informal way of saying "work around", implying a simple solution.

circumvent this problem

Focuses on avoiding the problem, often implying ingenuity or কৌশল.

bypass this problem

Suggests ignoring or going around the problem without directly solving it.

sidestep this problem

Suggests avoiding direct confrontation with the problem by moving to the side.

devise a solution for this problem

Highlights the creation of a solution, implying inventiveness.

overcome this problem

Focuses on successfully dealing with and conquering the problem.

navigate around this problem

Implies careful maneuvering to avoid the negative impacts of the problem.

deal with this problem indirectly

Emphasizes the lack of direct action in addressing the problem.

find an alternative to this problem

Highlights the search for a different approach or method to avoid the original problem.

FAQs

What does "work around this problem" mean?

To "work around this problem" means to find a way to bypass or mitigate the effects of a problem without necessarily solving it directly. It involves finding an alternative approach to achieve a desired outcome despite the obstacle.

How can I use "work around this problem" in a sentence?

You can use "work around this problem" in a sentence like this: "Since we don't have the budget for a new system, we'll have to "find a workaround for this problem"."

What are some alternatives to "work around this problem"?

Some alternatives to "work around this problem" include "circumvent this problem", "bypass this problem", or "find a workaround for this problem".

Is it better to "solve" a problem or "work around" it?

Solving a problem directly is generally preferable, as it addresses the root cause. However, when a direct solution isn't feasible due to constraints like time, resources, or technical limitations, it becomes necessary to "find an alternative to this problem".