Critical issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Critical issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or urgent problem that requires attention or resolution. Example: "The team needs to address the critical issue of data security before launching the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One critical issue remains enforcing any agreement.

The New York Times

"Silence, silence on a critical issue".

Independent

It's a critical issue for Washington.

The New York Times

Here the critical issue is economic inequity.

The New York Times

The critical issue is demography.

The New York Times

This is a critical issue.

The New Yorker

"It became a critical issue".

The New York Times

Timing is a critical issue.

The New York Times

The critical issue is informed consent.

The New York Times

Inequality is a critical issue globally.

The Guardian

The critical issue is, of course, pay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical issue", ensure the context clearly explains why the issue is critical. Provide specific details or consequences to emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "critical issue" in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "key challenge", "pressing concern", or "significant matter" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "critical" modifies "issue". It identifies a matter of significant importance. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across varied subjects, reinforcing its role in pinpointing essential subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical issue" is a commonly used phrase to denote a significant and urgent problem. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While versatile, it's essential to provide context to emphasize the criticality and avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "key challenge" or "pressing concern". By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately incorporate "critical issue" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing concern

Replaces "issue" with "concern", emphasizing worry or anxiety.

key challenge

Substitutes "issue" with "challenge", highlighting the difficulty involved.

major problem

Uses "problem" instead of "issue", focusing on the problematic aspect.

significant matter

Replaces "critical issue" with a more formal expression.

vital question

Emphasizes the interrogative aspect, framing it as a question that needs answering.

essential point

Highlights the fundamentality of the matter.

urgent matter

Focuses specifically on the time-sensitive nature of the issue.

serious dilemma

Implies a difficult choice or situation.

burning question

Indicates a highly debated and immediate issue.

primary focus

Shifts the emphasis to what should be given the most attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical issue" to highlight a problem that requires immediate attention. For example: "Data security is a "critical issue" for our company."

What are some alternatives to "critical issue"?

Alternatives include "pressing concern", "key challenge", or "significant matter", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "critical issue" formal or informal?

"Critical issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in professional and news-related settings. Consider the audience and purpose when choosing this phrase.

How does "critical issue" differ from "important issue"?

"Critical issue" suggests a higher level of urgency and potential impact than "important issue". A "critical issue" demands immediate attention and resolution, whereas an "important issue" may be significant but not necessarily urgent.