IELTS synonyms

Synonyms for “solution” in IELTS

13 alternatives to “solution”, each with its part of speech, how it differs in meaning or register, an example sentence and a warning where a blind swap changes what you say. The second half of a problem-solution essay often repeats 'solution' and 'solve'. The nouns and verbs below give you more precise ways to propose action, and each collocates with particular verbs.

Example

answer (noun)

A solution; slightly less formal. Used with 'to'.

Better public transport may be the answer to congestion in city centres.

See all 13 alternatives
  • 13 alternatives
  • Writing Task 2
  • Meaning, register and example
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Written by Fizza Butool Zaidi and Ali Zaidi

13 alternatives

Other words for “solution”

  1. 1.answer

    nounWriting and Speaking

    A solution; slightly less formal. Used with 'to'.

    Better public transport may be the answer to congestion in city centres.

  2. 2.remedy

    nounWriting

    A way of correcting a problem; formal. Used with 'for'.

    There is no simple remedy for youth unemployment.

  3. 3.measure

    nounWriting

    An official action; often 'take measures to'.

    Governments should take measures to reduce plastic waste.

  4. 4.step

    nounWriting

    One action in a process; often 'take steps to'.

    Schools could take steps to limit phone use during lessons.

  5. 5.approach

    nounWriting

    A way of dealing with something.

    A more effective approach would be to reward companies that recycle.

  6. 6.strategy

    nounWriting

    A long-term, planned approach.

    A national strategy is needed to attract teachers to rural schools.

  7. 7.policy

    nounWriting

    An official plan adopted by a government or organisation.

    A policy of free school meals has improved attendance in some countries.

    Don't swap blindly: Only for official plans, not individual actions.

  8. 8.response

    nounWriting

    Action taken in reaction to something.

    The most common response to rising crime has been more police on the streets.

  9. 9.way forward

    noun phraseWriting

    The best course of action from now on.

    The way forward is to combine stricter laws with public education.

  10. 10.tackle

    verbWriting

    Make a determined effort to deal with a problem.

    Cities can tackle air pollution by charging cars to enter the centre.

  11. 11.address

    verbWriting

    Start to deal with a problem; formal.

    Governments must address the shortage of affordable housing.

    Don't swap blindly: Address the problem, not 'address to the problem'.

  12. 12.resolve

    verbWriting

    End a problem or dispute completely.

    The dispute between the two councils was resolved through mediation.

    Don't swap blindly: It claims complete success. For partial progress, write tackle or reduce.

  13. 13.quick fix

    noun phraseWriting and Speaking

    A fast, temporary solution; usually critical.

    Building more roads is a quick fix that brings more traffic in the long run.

Paraphrasing

How to paraphrase “solution” well

  • Be specific: name who acts and what they do. 'The government should fund evening classes' beats 'a solution is education'.
  • Learn verb + noun pairs: take measures, take steps, adopt a policy, propose a remedy, find an answer.
  • Soften where necessary. 'This could help to reduce...' is more convincing than claiming one measure will solve everything.

Band tip: the public IELTS Writing band descriptors for Lexical Resource describe Band 7 as using “less common lexical items” with “some awareness of style and collocation”. A synonym that changes your meaning or breaks a collocation works against you, so choose the word that fits the sentence, not the rarest one you know.

In context

Use it in an answer

Writing Task 2 (solution paragraph: food waste in households)Written by BandLadder

Several measures could help to tackle food waste. Supermarkets could be encouraged to replace multi-buy offers with discounts on single items, which would address the habit of buying more than people need. In addition, a public campaign explaining the difference between 'best before' and 'use by' dates would be a simple but effective step.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of solution in IELTS Task 2?+

Measure, step, approach, strategy and remedy are the most useful. For verbs, use tackle, address and deal with instead of repeating 'solve'.

What is the difference between solve and resolve?+

Solve fits problems and puzzles. Resolve fits disputes and conflicts and suggests the matter is completely settled. 'Resolve a problem' is also correct but formal.

Is 'take measures' or 'take steps' better?+

Both are natural. Measures sounds more official, so it suits governments; steps suits any person or organisation.

Should I say a measure will solve the problem?+

Usually not. Claims that one action will solve a complex problem weaken an argument. Use 'could help to reduce' or 'would go some way towards solving'.

Practise

See real answers to paraphrase

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