Do you know which is correct: troubleshooted and troubleshot? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people don’t know which word to use when they’re trying to describe this process.
In this blog post, we will discuss the correct word to use and how to use it in a sentence. Let’s get started!
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Troubleshooted or Troubleshot?
Both words are correct. Troubleshot seems more widely recognised than troubleshooted (which is apparent in language forums), but we know troubleshooted is, in fact, a word that appears in the dictionary.
The simple past tense and past participle of the word “troubleshoot” is “troubleshoot,” according to Marriam Webster, Your Dictionary, and the Cambridge Dictionary.
According to Dictionary.com and the Collins Dictionary, troubleshot and troubleshooted are both verbs that can be used in the simple past and past participle form.
All of these dictionaries are reliable sources of information, so it is safe to assume we can use the word “troubleshot” or “troubleshooted.”
What does troubleshoot mean?
The word “troubleshoot” means to find and fix problems with a machine or system.
How do you use the word troubleshoot in a sentence?
Here are some examples of how to use the word “troubleshoot” in a sentence:
-“I was having trouble connecting to the internet, so I troubleshot the problem and found out that my router was broken.”
-“I tried to troubleshoot the issue, but I couldn’t figure it out. I think I need help from a professional.”
-“The printer wasn’t working properly, so I troubleshooted the issue and found out that the ink cartridge was empty.”
-“I had to troubleshoot my computer after I installed a new program. It wasn’t working correctly.”
Conjunction of Troubleshoot
Here is how we would use the word “troubleshoot” in the simple past, present, and past participle forms.
Infinitive (base verb): To Troubleshoot.
For example, I need to troubleshoot the computer.
Present Tense: Troubleshoot
For example, I troubleshoot the computer.
Simple Past Tense: Troubleshot
For example, He troubleshot the computer yesterday.
Simple Past Tense: Troubleshooted
For example, He troubleshooted the computer yesterday.
Present Perfect: Have troubleshot
For example, She has troubleshot the computer
Present Perfect: Have Troubleshooted
She has troubleshooted the computer
Gerund or Present Participle: Troubleshooting
For example,
I am troubleshooting the computer,
They were troubleshooting,
I did some troubleshooting.
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Which should I use: Troubleshoot or Troubleshot
As both words appear in the dictionary, it is advisable to check your style guide and follow its advice. You could also ask your teacher or professor if you are in an academic setting.
If you are still unsure, consider using the word “troubleshoot,” as it generally sounds more natural to native English speakers.
The past tense of “shoot” is “shot,” so English speakers might be more accepting of this version of the word.
The dictionary cannot be the definitive authority on all aspects of a language. Listen to your audience and learn how they communicate. Some words were invented before they even made it into the dictionary, such as “selfie.”
Synonyms for Troubleshoot
Here are some alternative words we can use in place of the word “troubleshoot.”
-Debug: to find and fix errors or faults in a system.
Example Sentence: I had to debug the computer for an hour before I could start using it.
-Fix: to repair (something that is not working properly)
Example Sentence: I need someone to help me fix this machine.
-Investigate: to examine something in detail in order to discover all the facts or to find out what is causing a problem.
Example Sentence: We will have to investigate the problem before we can try and fix it.
-Diagnose: to identify the cause of a problem or illness.
Example Sentence: I need you to help me diagnose this issue.
-Rectify: to put right or correct (something that is wrong).
Example Sentence: I’m going to rectify this problem as soon as possible.
Origin of the word Troubleshoot
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, it came from the word “troubleshooter,” which was originally someone who worked on the telephone lines or telegraph. Its first known use was in 1918.
In Conclusion
The majority of dictionaries and English speakers on language forums seem to favor the word “troubleshot” over “troubleshooted.”
These are just my opinions on the topic, and I invite whoever is reading to share what they say: “troubleshot” or “troubleshooted” in the comments section.
Check your style guide and if you are still not sure, choose the term you think is best!
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.