"the problem lies" vs "the problem lies in"

Question

"the problem lies" vs "the problem lies in"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The problem lies' is used when the problem is being directly attributed to a specific source or cause. 'The problem lies in' is used when specifying the location or nature of the problem.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to state that the problem can be directly attributed to a particular source or cause.

Examples:

The problem lies with the lack of communication between the team members.
The problem lies in the outdated software system.
The problem lies with the management's decision-making process.

Alternatives:

the issue lies
the fault lies
the mistake lies
the error lies
the responsibility lies

This phrase is used when you want to specify where the problem is located or what the nature of the problem is.

Examples:

The problem lies in the lack of funding for the project.
The problem lies in the miscommunication between departments.
The problem lies in the complexity of the task.

Alternatives:

the issue lies in
the fault lies in
the mistake lies in
the error lies in
the responsibility lies in

Answer 1

the problem lies

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when attributing the problem to a specific source or cause.

Answer 2

the problem lies in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when specifying the location or nature of the problem.

"the problem lies" vs "the problem lies in"

the problem lies

the problem lies in

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