Solution vs Why isn't the serum working

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Solution

Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun

Why isn't the serum working

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Solution
 SolutionWhy isn't the serum working
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/səˈluːʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈluːʃn/"]/🇬🇧 //waɪ ˈɪzənt ðə ˈsɪərəm ˈwɜːkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //waɪ ˈɪzənt ðə ˈsɪrəm ˈwɜrkɪŋ//
MeaningAn answer or way to solve a problem.A special liquid used to treat or protect against disease might not be effective.
ExampleThe solution to the math problem was easier than I expected.Why isn't the serum working as expected in the clinical trials?
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelA2-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationscomplete, comprehensive, partial, look for, seek, work towards/​toward, solution for, solution to, part of the solution, concentrated, strong, dilute, contain, in solutionantivenom serum, novel serum, therapeutic serum, experimental serum, plasma serum
Antonymsproblem, issue, complication-
Common mistakesConfused with 'resolution' which can mean a firm decision., Using 'solution' as a verb instead of a noun., Mistaking 'solution' for something that is only mathematical.Confusing 'serum' with 'vaccine' which are not the same., Using 'isn't' in overly formal settings; prefer 'is not' instead., Overlooking plural forms; 'serum' is singular, 'serums' is the plural.
Usage notesUse 'solution' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing problems and their answers. Avoid using it in slang or overly casual conversations.Use in medical or scientific contexts. Appropriate for discussions about treatments or vaccinations.

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Solution
Why isn't the serum working

Frequently asked questions: Solution vs Why isn't the serum working

What's the difference between Solution and Why isn't the serum working?

Solution: An answer or way to solve a problem. Why isn't the serum working: A special liquid used to treat or protect against disease might not be effective.

Which is more common: Solution and Why isn't the serum working?

Solution is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Solution: The solution to the math problem was easier than I expected. Why isn't the serum working: Why isn't the serum working as expected in the clinical trials?

Can I use Solution and Why isn't the serum working interchangeably?

Not always. Solution and Why isn't the serum working are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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