What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
solve
Example
I need to solve this math problem before the test. [solve: verb]
Example
The team worked together to solve the technical issue. [solve: verb]
determine
Example
We need to determine the best course of action for the project. [determine: verb]
Example
The doctor is trying to determine the cause of the patient's symptoms. [determine: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Determine is more commonly used than solve in everyday language. Determine is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while solve is more specific to problem-solving situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between solve and determine?
Both solve and determine can be used in formal and informal contexts, but determine may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of usage and analytical connotations.
