tell the problem vs explain the problem

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Tell the problem' is more informal and direct, suitable for casual conversations or when you want a straightforward answer. 'Explain the problem' is more formal and implies a detailed description or analysis of the issue.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1704 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts.

"tell the problem"

This phrase is used when you want someone to provide a brief description or mention the issue without going into detailed explanations.

Examples:

Can you tell me the problem with the computer?
Just tell me the problem, and I'll try to help.

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I'll tell you the problem.
You better hurry and tell me the problem.
He couldn't tell her the problems that he was facing.
And my reporting around the country tells me the problem is grimmer than simple inequality.
I'll tell you the problem.
Bart, just tell us the problem.
Tell her the problem, Jon.
I can't tell where the problems are anymore.
Let me tell you the problem I got with that, Tre.
Let me tell you the problem I got with that, Tre.
I'll tell you the problem with the scientific power you're using here.
Edith, tell me what the problem is.
And then you can tell Becky that the problem is over.
Listen and tell me where the problem is.
So tell me where the problem is.
My engineers tell me that the problem Probably lies in the power source.
Just tell me what the problem is, Nate.
I'll tell you what the problem is.
Just tell us what the problem is.
Could you tell me the problem?

Alternatives:

describe the problem
state the problem
outline the problem
point out the problem
identify the problem

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts.

"explain the problem"

This phrase is used when you want a detailed description or analysis of the issue, often in a formal or professional setting.

Examples:

Could you explain the problem with the project?
I need you to explain the problem in more detail.

Show examples from the web [+]

I will explain the problem that we have, ladies and gentlemen.
Let me explain the problem we now have to deal with in this report with regard to the Czech steel industry.
Each of you will explain the problem, and then each of you will propose a solution.
Each of you will explain the problem, and then each of you will propose a solution.
I didn't ask you to explain the problem to me. I asked you to fix it for me.
Let me explain the problem.
Mr President, I do not like to speak in the European Parliament on domestic policy issues, but since a Spanish socialist Member has made some personal remarks about a Spanish minister, I think I have a duty to explain the problem to her.
That might explain the problems with his compass.
This would explain the problems encountered in implementing more stringent protection measures for certain species.
The Commission asked the complainant and the French authorities to explain the problems of the business's profitability.
With regards to the above, explain how the finances were organised and, if applicable, explain the problems and solutions found to overcome them.
One reason that could probably explain the problems former staff members are encountering is the fact that pension organisations are unfamiliar with the existence and potential implications of this particular provision in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities.
We have to be able to advise and explain the problems to people, and also give them incentives not to smoke or to give up smoking.
I can't explain the personal problems of my clients.
(Kutner) Chronic pulmonary embolism would explain The breathing problem And the blood coming from his lungs.
Go bet with someone else if you want to explain the heart problems.
And the vasculitis would explain the kidney problem.
Well, that explains the communication problem.
The very nature of the problem explains the scope of the initiative.
Finally, it has been necessary to bring the national payment systems' links - particularly computer interfaces - into line with Target, which also explains the teething problems noted.

Alternatives:

elaborate on the problem
clarify the problem
expound on the problem
detail the problem
provide an explanation for the problem

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tell the problem vs explain the problem

"tell the problem"

"explain the problem"

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