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to solve problems

to solve problems

48 2.7
To find solutions to difficult situations
  • phrasal verb
  • /sɑlv ˈprɑbləmz/
translation icon : resolver problemas
  • You learn to solve problems and build your skills gradually.
  • ability to solve problems
  • learn to solve problems
  • help solve problems

That allows you to solve problems that other people can't, right?

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Examples

  • If you communicate feelings, you can solve problems more easily.

  • The work is to solve problems in a way that you're proud of.

  • You are leaders who solve problems and your kids need you.

  • You add value, you solve problems in exchange for money.

  • And so, so we need to solve problems in a different way.

  • I count on you to solve problems, whatever it takes.

  • We solve problems for a profit, my friends.

  • Meet with your district colleagues to solve problems, network, and share strategies and ideas.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Learn to negotiate, solve problems and craft your own happiness.

  • In order to succeed in business, you need to be able to solve problems efficiently.

Synonyms

to find a way
vsto solve problems
863 3.3

To think of a plan to get past a problem

is the broader activity of producing fixes or answers in many cases
to resolve
vsto solve problems
623 3.3

To find an answer to a problem and end a disagreement

is aimed mainly at producing practical fixes rather than ending disputes
to answer
vsto solve problems
544 1.0

To find or give a solution to a problem

focuses more broadly on producing fixes for difficult situations
to overcome
vsto solve problems
429 2.9

Deal with and defeat a problem or fear

focuses on finding solutions rather than on the act of defeating challenges
to work it out
vsto solve problems
165 3.2

To find an answer to a problem by thinking or talking

is a broader activity of producing fixes rather than only working through steps
to remedy
vsto solve problems
53 3.9

To fix a problem or bad situation

covers finding general fixes, not only correcting faults
to find a solution
vsto solve problems
41 2.7

To think of a way to solve a problem

is the general act of creating fixes for challenging situations
to tackle (the problem)
vsto solve problems
5 3.0

To try hard to solve a problem

is concerned with producing solutions rather than primarily describing the approach

Antonyms

1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

How Successful

to solve problems
48 2.7

Surface Forms

solve problems infinitive
solved problems past participle
solving problems present participle
solves problems third person singular

Morphology

solve + problem

The meaning 'to find solutions or answers' is directly and compositionally derived from 'solve' (work out) + 'problems' (difficulties); this is a transparent verb + object collocation following normal English semantics. The construction is cross-linguistically common and predictable, so a B1 learner who knows both constituent words would readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

The phrase solve problems comes from an old word meaning 'to untie' or 'to loosen' a knot, so picture pulling a tight knot apart. So solve problems means finding a way to free or fix a difficult situation, like untying a tricky knot.