Issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "issue" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, "issue" can refer to a problem or concern that needs to be addressed. For example: "The issue of climate change is a global concern." As a verb, "issue" means to distribute or release. For example: "The company will issue a statement regarding the recent scandal tomorrow." Other possible uses of "issue" as a noun include: 1. A topic or subject for discussion or debate: "The issue of gun control has been heavily debated in recent years." 2. A physical or emotional condition: "The athlete had a knee issue that affected his performance." 3. A publication or series of publications: "The latest issue of the magazine features an interview with a famous actor." As a verb, "issue" can also mean to originate from or be the result of something. For example: "His fear of heights issues from a childhood experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Determining where this capital is spent needs to be an important issue for investors, otherwise there is going to be a lot of capital wasted in coming years on developing fossil fuel reserves that cannot be burned".

The Guardian

The official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, said photographs from North Korea showing a rocket launched from the sea appeared to be authentic.

The Guardian

This ruling will save lives by forcing the government to finally take this issue seriously.

The Guardian

"It was quite obvious it was my shoes that was an issue".

The Guardian - Film

"We knew this was a legacy issue which had been established by the previous government.

The Guardian

Clinton first addressed the issue in March, shortly after transparency concerns were raised following reports that she used only a personal email account to conduct government business.

The Guardian

The first minister has called for an emergency debate on the issue in the Northern Ireland assembly on Friday.

The Guardian

Paris is aware that if it is unable to tackle the issue of its pension shortfall, France's triple-A credit rating may be cut.

The New York Times

In France, the government is approaching the issue gingerly.

The New York Times

The government is currently negotiating with unions over the tricky issue of retirement.

The New York Times

Maybe get a stress test to confirm that there's no issue, but even that might be overkill.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "issue", be specific about the context to avoid ambiguity. For instance, clarify whether you're referring to a problem, a publication, or something else.

Common error

Avoid using "issue" as a catch-all term. Instead, opt for more precise words like "problem", "matter", or "concern" depending on the specific situation to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "issue" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a problem, concern, or topic of discussion. As a verb, it signifies the act of distributing or publishing something. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "issue" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to denote problems, concerns, or the act of distributing something. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and frequent usage in English writing. Its primary purpose is to identify and highlight subjects needing attention, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts, especially in news and formal communications. While versatile, avoid overusing "issue" as a vague substitute and opt for more precise terms. Remember to be specific to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Problem

Replaces "issue" with a more direct term for a difficulty.

Concern

Emphasizes worry or interest related to a topic.

Matter

Offers a general substitute for a subject of discussion.

Question

Highlights a point that needs resolution.

Topic

Focuses on the subject under consideration.

Point of contention

Highlights a subject of disagreement or debate.

Dilemma

Indicates a difficult choice between alternatives.

Challenge

Implies a situation that requires effort to overcome.

Subject matter

More formal term for a topic of discussion or study.

Area of concern

Specifies a particular aspect causing worry or interest.

FAQs

How can I use "issue" in a sentence?

The word "issue" can be used in various contexts. For example, you could say "Climate change is a pressing "issue"", referring to a problem. Or, "The journal will "issue" a new edition next month", indicating a publication.

What are some synonyms for "issue" when referring to a problem?

If you're referring to a problem, you can use synonyms such as "problem", "concern", or "challenge" instead of "issue".

What is the difference between "issue" and "topic"?

"Issue" often implies a problem or matter of concern, while "topic" is a more neutral term for a subject of discussion. You might say "The "topic" of the meeting was budget cuts", but "The central "issue" was how to address the budget deficit".

Is it correct to use "issue" to refer to a magazine or journal edition?

Yes, "issue" can refer to a specific edition of a magazine, journal, or other periodical. For instance, "I read about it in the latest "issue" of that magazine" is perfectly acceptable.