Clear issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Clear issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a problem or concern is obvious or easily identifiable. Example: "The report highlighted a clear issue with the project's timeline that needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

To them it is not a clear issue.

The New York Times

All the same, there is a clear issue of credibility.

The Guardian - Business

The case illustrates that change because it involves a clear issue of fundamental liberties.

The New Yorker

What Victor Hugo called "The War of the Demolishers" in 1832, is still without clear issue.

The New York Times

A million children in Iraq, to them this is not a clear issue.

The New York Times

I don't know, abortion seems to be a clear issue to me, so does the death penalty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

We have two clear issues.

The New York Times

Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam.

The Guardian

The figures presented today show clear issues with the reporting rules as the largest increases were for domestic budget gaps related to the refugee crisis".

The Guardian

"If you are the Democrats, you want simplicity, you want clear issues that will allow numbers of ballots in the count.

The New York Times

Because I think there have been clear issues where we have obviously been expressing concerns which are widely shared across the whole country, including the south of England.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear issue" to directly and concisely point out problems needing attention or resolution, especially when initiating discussions or reports.

Common error

Avoid using "clear issue" when the situation is nuanced or multifaceted. Instead, opt for phrases like "complex challenge" or "multifaceted problem" to accurately reflect the scenario's complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to identify a specific problem or point of concern that is easily understood or apparent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear issue" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for identifying an easily recognizable problem or point of concern. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. It serves to draw attention to problems that need addressing, analysis, or resolution. To prevent misapplication, avoid using it in highly nuanced or complex situations where more descriptive language may be warranted. Alternatives such as "obvious problem" or "evident matter" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With its frequent usage and clear meaning, "clear issue" remains a valuable phrase in concise and direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obvious problem

Focuses on the problem being easily noticeable.

Evident matter

Emphasizes the indisputable nature of the issue.

Unmistakable concern

Highlights the concern being easily recognized.

Apparent difficulty

Stresses the visible nature of the difficulty.

Plain problem

Highlights the simplicity and clarity of the problem.

Readily apparent issue

Emphasizes how quickly the issue can be identified.

Easily identifiable problem

Highlights the ease with which the problem can be identified.

Manifest problem

Indicates the problem is openly displayed or demonstrated.

Conspicuous issue

Suggests the issue is very noticeable and attracts attention.

Undeniable problem

Emphasizes the problem is beyond dispute.

FAQs

How can I use "clear issue" in a sentence?

You can use "clear issue" to highlight a problem or concern that is easily identifiable. For example, "The report highlighted a "clear issue" with project timelines".

What are some alternatives to saying "clear issue"?

Alternatives include "obvious problem", "evident matter", or "unmistakable concern", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "clear issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "clear issue" is suitable for formal writing, especially when needing to concisely identify a problem or point of concern.

What is the difference between "clear issue" and "unresolved problem"?

"Clear issue" identifies a problem that is easily understood, while "unresolved problem" emphasizes that a problem has not been solved. A "clear issue" might become an unresolved problem if not addressed.