a broader issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broader issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that encompasses larger or more general concerns beyond the immediate subject at hand. Example: "While we are addressing the specific problem of pollution in our city, we must also consider a broader issue of environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But there is a broader issue.

The Economist

There is a broader issue, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a broader issue beyond the political blame game.

The New York Times

But this is a broader issue for games research.

The Guardian - Tech

These cases are all symptomatic of a broader issue.

The Guardian

What plan?" that gets to a broader issue I'm seeing more often.

The New York Times

Mr. Brown sees a broader issue than just the fate of his wrench.

The New York Times

This is a broader issue than just this one individual, disturbing as this case is.

The Guardian

He highlights a broader issue that particularly affects social care, health and other public services.

The Guardian

This, says Hunt, is part of a broader issue about Gove's interaction with the profession.

The Guardian

Justice William O. Douglas, in a dissent, addressed a broader issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broader issue" to transition from a specific detail to a more general or systemic problem, providing context and highlighting the wider implications of the immediate topic.

Common error

Avoid using "a broader issue" when you actually need to address a more specific aspect of the problem. Make sure the broader issue genuinely encompasses the initial point, rather than being merely tangentially related.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broader issue" serves as a noun phrase, functioning as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It introduces a wider perspective or a more encompassing concern related to the topic at hand, consistent with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broader issue" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a more general or systemic problem related to a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "a larger problem" or "a wider concern" exist, "a broader issue" is particularly effective when aiming to expand the scope of a discussion to encompass a wider range of interconnected concerns. It is important to be aware of scope versus specificty and ensure the issue in question is legitimately broader than the point made. By incorporating this phrase thoughtfully, writers can enhance the depth and relevance of their arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a larger problem

Emphasizes the significance and scale of the problem.

a wider concern

Highlights the scope and reach of the concern.

a more general problem

Stresses the lack of specificity and wide applicability of the problem.

a more encompassing issue

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the issue.

a far-reaching implication

Highlights the extensive consequences of the issue.

a more systemic problem

Points to a problem inherent in the structure or system.

a more global concern

Indicates that the concern is international or worldwide.

a more fundamental problem

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the problem.

a more extensive matter

Highlights the breadth and depth of the matter.

a larger question

Suggests the issue opens up many other lines of inquiries and concerns.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broader issue" to introduce a more general problem related to a specific situation. For example: "While the immediate concern is budget cuts, "a broader issue" is the long-term financial stability of the institution."

What's the difference between "a broader issue" and "a larger problem"?

While both phrases indicate a significant concern, ""a broader issue"" often implies a more encompassing theme or area of concern, whereas "a larger problem" emphasizes the magnitude or severity of a specific problem.

What are some alternatives to "a broader issue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a wider concern", "a more general problem", or "a more encompassing issue", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a broader issue" formal or informal?

"A broader issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing and speaking situations.