Learn English – A verb for a more precise way of showing a puzzle

phrasal-verbssingle-word-requestsverbs

I have talked about a puzzle in a more general way. Now I want to identify a more precise and specific formulation of that puzzle. What verb should I use?

Example:

Life in this world seem to be a puzzle. One way to … that puzzle is
to ask whether life has any purpose at all.

I had "cast" in mind, but @terdon in a comment on another page suggested "recast". Since the puzzle has not been cast yet, I think "re-cast" might not be the best choice. The puzzle is "cast" for the first time, isn't it?

Best Answer

I would suggest either view or think about:

One way to view that puzzle is to ask whether life has any purpose at all.

as in:

view

VERB

  1. [with object and adverbial] Regard in a particular light or with a particular attitude.
    ‘farmers are viewing the rise in rabbit numbers with concern’

or

One way to think about that puzzle is to ask whether life has any purpose at all.

as in:

think

VERB

2.4 (think of/about) Consider the possibility or advantages of (a course of action)
‘he was thinking of becoming a zoologist’

There's also consider:

consider

VERB

[WITH OBJECT]

  1. Look attentively at.
    ‘the old man considered his granddaughter thoughtfully’

Hope this helps.