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In a technical environment, what is the most suitable sentence to use when answering to someone about a problem that they had and we solved it for them:

  1. The problem is solved
  2. The problem has been solved
jimm101
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Moonlight
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    It's impossible to say without more context- each is appropriate in different cases. – Jim Mar 06 '14 at 05:51
  • so it is right to say "the problem is solved, kindly check your PC and let us know if you still face any problems" – Moonlight Mar 06 '14 at 05:56
  • In that instance I'd use "Your problem has been resolved, please check your PC and let us know if you have any more issues." – Jim Mar 06 '14 at 05:58

3 Answers3

9

Both are correct.

Notice the difference in tense.

"The problem is solved." [describes the current status of the problem]

"The problem has been solved." [directly answers the question Has the problem been solved?]

Gary's Student
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  • Sorry, I should have checked if any new posts had been added after leaving mine sitting unsubmitted for over an hour. – smithkm Apr 21 '14 at 20:04
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The difference is in whether you want to emphasize the state of being solved or the action of solving.

"is solved" indicates that it is in the solved state.

"has been solved" indicates that the solving of the problem has been completed, which is really just what it means to be in the state of being "solved".

smithkm
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Use either one. Both are correct. I would not use "resolved" here. Google for "solve or resolve". Here is one explanation of their differences. In short, you solve a problem and resolve a dispute.

Drew
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  • It is not entirely as simple as that thread implies. One also resolve's confusion. Personally I would 'solve' a puzzle, or a maths question, but I might 'resolve' the problem I had been having with my computer, or the strange noise in my car's engine. – WS2 Mar 06 '14 at 08:22
  • You also resolve tickets in a bug tracking system which can be communicated as, "This issue has been resolved." But I'm not sure why this answer is mentioned "resolved" at all? – MrHen Mar 25 '14 at 15:22