problem-solve

Writers ask: is it "problem-solve", "problem solving", or "problem-solving"? Choose by grammatical role: verb, adjective, or noun. When in doubt, rewrite to "solve the problem" or "solving problems."

Quick answer

Hyphenate when the compound modifies a noun (adjective): problem-solving skills. Use problem-solve as a verb if you want a compound verb, but rewriting to solve/solving is usually clearer.

Before a noun (adjective): problem-solving skills.
As a noun (activity/skill): problem-solving or rewrite as solving problems.
As a verb: problem-solve is acceptable; prefer solve or to solve the problem for clarity.

Core explanation: pick the form by role

Decide whether the phrase names an activity (noun), describes something (adjective), or performs an action (verb). Then pick the form.

Verb (predicate): He can problem-solve quickly. Often clearer as: He solves problems quickly.
Adjective (before a noun): a problem-solving approach → hyphenate.
Noun (activity/skill): problem-solving works, or rewrite as solving problems.

Hyphenation and spacing specifics

Use a single hyphen with no spaces: problem-solving, problem-solve. Never write "problem - solve" or "problem -solving". Hyphenate compounds that act as single modifiers before a noun to prevent misreading.

Correct: problem-solving (adjective), incorrect when used as adjective without hyphen: problem solving skills.
In predicate position you can often avoid hyphenation by rewriting: She is solving problems.
Use no spaces around the hyphen: problem-solving, not problem - solving.

Wrong: She is an expert in problem solving.
Right: She is an expert in problem-solving.
Wrong: We need to problem solve - fast.
Right: We need to problem-solve quickly.

Grammar check: noun vs. verb decisions

Test the phrase by replacing it with solve or solving. If you can add "the" before it and it still works, it often behaves as a noun. If it follows a subject and shows action, it's a verb.

Insert "the": the problem-solving was evident → noun.
Use -ing as a subject: Solving problems is important → gerund noun (rewrite option).

School - Wrong: The assignment requires problem solving.
School - Right: The assignment requires problem-solving.
School - Wrong: Students must problem solve during the lab.
School - Right: Students must problem-solve during the lab.

Keep hyphenation consistent across documents

Small hyphen choices add up. Pick a simple rule-e.g., "hyphenate compound adjectives like problem-solving; use solve for verbs"-and apply it to emails, résumés, and reports for a professional, consistent look.

Real usage and tone: formal, neutral, casual

Match form to tone:

Formal: hyphenate compound adjectives and prefer problem-solving as the noun. Example: We value problem-solving skills.
Neutral/professional: problem-solve as a verb is acceptable; resumes should use problem-solving for clarity.
Casual: people often write "problem solve" in chat, but "solve" or a short rewrite usually reads better.

Work - Wrong: Our team needs to problem solve the budget gap.
Work - Right: Our team needs to problem-solve the budget gap.

Try your own sentence

Test the whole sentence rather than the phrase alone-context makes the right choice clear. Substitute solve/solving to check function; if unclear, rewrite.

Examples: wrong → right pairs (work, school, casual)

Common mistakes with clean corrections. Where a rewrite is clearer, it's provided.

Work - Wrong: Please problem solve this client issue before the call.
Work - Right: Please problem-solve this client issue before the call.
Work - Rewrite: Please solve this client issue before the call.
Work - Wrong: She has strong problem solving skills on her résumé.
Work - Right: She has strong problem-solving skills on her résumé.
Work - Wrong: Our team needs to problem solve the onboarding issues.
Work - Right: Our team needs to problem-solve the onboarding issues.
School - Wrong: Students must problem solve during lab sessions.
School - Right: Students must problem-solve during lab sessions.
School - Wrong: Group presentations will assess students' problem solving abilities.
School - Right: Group presentations will assess students' problem-solving abilities.
School - Rewrite: Group presentations will assess students' ability to solve problems.
Casual - Wrong: Can you problem solve this for me tonight?
Casual - Right: Can you problem-solve this for me tonight?
Casual - Rewrite: Can you help me solve this tonight?
Casual - Wrong: Let's do a quick problem solve before dinner.
Casual - Right: Let's do a quick problem-solving session before dinner.

Rewrite help: 3-step fix plus examples

Checklist: 1) Identify function (verb/adjective/noun). 2) If it modifies a noun → hyphenate. 3) If clunky, rewrite to solve or solving + noun.

Step 1: Substitute solve or solving to test function.
Step 2: If it's before a noun, hyphenate: problem-solving skills.
Step 3: When in doubt, rewrite: solve the problem or solving problems.

Rewrite:
Original: "We need to problem solve the onboarding issues." → Revised: "We need to solve the onboarding issues."
Rewrite:
Original: "Her problem solving impressed the panel." → Revised: "Her problem-solving impressed the panel."
Rewrite:
Original: "He problem-solved the bug in record time." → Revised: "He solved the bug in record time."
Rewrite:
Original: "Let's do a quick problem solve." → Revised: "Let's have a quick problem-solving session."

Memory tricks and quick heuristics

Keep three short heuristics in mind while typing or proofreading.

Before a noun → hyphenate: problem-solving skills.
If it reads better as solve or solving problems, rewrite it.
No spaces around hyphens; treat the hyphenated phrase as one unit.

Usage tip: Change "problem solve this" → "solve this" when you want direct action.

Similar mistakes and other compound pairs

The same noun/adjective/verb logic applies to many compounds: backup / back up, follow-up / follow up, setup / set up.

backup (noun) vs. back up (verb): Make a backup / Back up your files.
follow-up (noun/adjective) vs. follow up (verb): Schedule a follow-up / We'll follow up.
setup (noun) vs. set up (verb): Complete the setup / Set up the meeting.

Wrong: We'll schedule a follow up next week.
Right: We'll schedule a follow-up next week.

FAQ

Is "problem-solve" or "problem solve" correct?

Use problem-solve as a verb when you want a compound verb; hyphenate problem-solving when it modifies a noun. Rewriting to solve the problem is often the clearest option.

Should "problem solving" be hyphenated?

Hyphenate when it's an adjective before a noun (problem-solving techniques) or use solving problems as a noun alternative.

What should I use on a résumé?

Use "problem-solving skills" with a hyphen-clear, professional, and widely accepted.

How do I quickly fix a sentence that uses problem-solve incorrectly?

Run the three-step checklist: identify function, hyphenate if it modifies a noun, otherwise rewrite as solve the problem or solving problems.

Do style guides agree on this?

Most style guides agree on hyphenating compound adjectives and accept problem-solving as a noun. Use a consistent approach within a document.

Want a quick edit for your sentence?

Paste your sentence into a grammar tool to see whether to hyphenate problem-solve, use problem-solving, or rewrite the phrase for clarity. A quick editor will show verb/noun function and offer polished rewrites you can copy into emails, résumés, or papers.