generate a solution vs formulate a solution

Both are correct phrases, but they're used in slightly different contexts. 'Generate a solution' implies the creation or production of a solution, while 'formulate a solution' suggests the process of developing or putting together a solution.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: April 02, 2025 • 4992 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"generate a solution"

This phrase is used when referring to the act of creating or producing a solution to a problem or issue.

Examples:

The team worked together to generate a solution to the complex puzzle.
Our goal is to generate a solution that meets the needs of our customers.

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If we jump back to our original Nav computers can use those star fixes to generate a best-fit solution... giving the fleet's current position.
The hydrogen ion concentration (actually referred to as pH value) in an aqueous solution generates a potential difference at a measuring electrode (pH-sensitive glass diaphragm) with respect to a reference electrode (Ag/AgCl).
We need a solution that generates all of the time.
MEPs believe that, where the market fails to generate solutions, public research should be stimulated and incentives found to encourage the private sector to invest in these areas.
whereas accelerating research and innovation is not only essential in order to attain a sustainable and competitive economic model and secure future employment, but will also generate solutions to the shared grand societal challenges facing European society, namely:
Hindering the solution could generate dangerous tensions, even warfare, in the region, which is something nobody wants.
display innovation (ability to generate fresh solutions to work situations, recognise and accept imaginative solutions);
At the same time, the resolution invites all stakeholders to maintain a dialogue (including with people with disabilities and their organisations, public authorities and social partners) in order to understand each other's needs and to generate consensual solutions.
Has there been any research into the costs that such solutions might generate?
display innovation (ability to generate fresh solutions to work situations, recognise and accept imaginative solutions);
display innovation (ability to generate fresh solutions to work situations, recognise and accept imaginative solutions);
maintain a dialogue (including with people with disabilities and their organisations, public authorities, and the social partners) in order to understand each other's needs and to generate consensual solutions;
Emphasises the need to develop a network of local and regional climate change adaptation initiatives and to exchange experience on a Europe-wide basis; points out that identifying best practice solutions can generate added value for the EU strategy;
There is only one solution to restore a state of normality: economic development that will generate a higher standard of living.
To live 10, 20 years sometimes with restrictions of movement, with very limited resources, no access to secondary education... generates a level of suffering that should put a lot of pressure on the international community for more solutions.
In my opinion, the solution prescribed may generate a lack of confidence which, in the long term, will result in an even slower process than we have had until now.
We cannot therefore be content with a minimalist solution in line with the US proposal, which would generate a few billion euro - a relatively small revenue considering the huge costs.
Stun guns generate a lot more power.
Simulated digital massacres generate a virtually subconscious aggression.
Bad passphrase. Cannot generate a new key pair.

Alternatives:

create a solution
develop a solution
come up with a solution
find a solution
produce a solution

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"formulate a solution"

This phrase is used when referring to the process of developing or putting together a solution to a problem or issue.

Examples:

The committee will meet to formulate a solution to the budget shortfall.
It took hours to formulate a solution to the complex mathematical problem.

Show examples from the web [+]

The ECR has always worked constructively to ensure that the eurozone can formulate a lasting solution to its sovereign debt crisis.
The ECR has always worked constructively to ensure that the eurozone can formulate a lasting solution to its sovereign debt crisis.
I believe, however, that the timetable that I have referred to will give everyone sufficient time to formulate a comprehensive overall solution.
The Council is making a mistake by leaving it entirely up to the United States to formulate proposals for a solution to the Middle East problem.
In 1997, the Flemish government created a Flemish Commission for Mobile Dwelling intended to formulate concrete proposals providing a solution to problems related to housing and the development of sites for travellers.
While the main role of science is to monitor the state of the environment and to make this known to decision-makers and the public, it should be expected to formulate solutions to environmental problems.
The complexity of social realities makes it harder to formulate 'turnkey' solutions.
An acceptable solution cannot really be found unless the EU and its Member States around the Baltic Sea formulate a line of action and are also given full access to the project.
I want to sit down and formulate a little plan.
Not until I formulate a conclusion.
It is therefore advisable to formulate a position which will safeguard the interests of both consumers and traders.
I would have expected the Commission to formulate a clear position on that point.
Now is the time to formulate a vision for the future.
It shall formulate a recommendation for the coordination group on the basis of the assessment report.
It formulates a growing classification of risks accessible to local authorities.
Surely European legislation was not intended to formulate a policy at the most repressive level.
You asked me to formulate a plan.
I can't formulate a thought in my head, but...
See, we were fired before we could formulate a specific plan.
We need to assess the situation, formulate a strategy...

Alternatives:

create a solution
develop a solution
come up with a solution
find a solution
produce a solution

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generate a solution vs formulate a solution

"generate a solution"

"formulate a solution"

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