a certain issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific problem or topic without naming it directly, often to imply that the issue is known to the audience. Example: "During the meeting, we discussed a certain issue that has been affecting our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I expect that to fix itself once I address a certain issue that recently cropped up.

The New Yorker

The commentators referred to by Mr. Ai are believed to be paid each time they post something that bolsters or repeats the government position on a certain issue.

The New York Times

I'm quite leftwing and interested in the debate about private and state school education, though sometimes I might like to read an alternative view about a certain issue.

The Guardian

"The executive committee was usurping the leadership role so on any given day, you had four or five bosses working a certain issue.

The New York Times

Through clever promotion and skillful use of new online tools, nonprofits can persuade people who have only pressed "Like" on a certain issue or campaign to do a lot more.

The New York Times

The word "thesis" comes from the Greek tithenai, which literally means "to place" or "to position": my thesis is my position, my point of view, my stance on a certain issue.

The Guardian

He writes: "If someone in Egypt or Saudi Arabia watching al-Jazeera changes their mind about a certain issue... they cannot go out and vote in an election... but it is not al-Jazeera's fault".

The Guardian - Books

-Create a collage of headlines and photographs from The New York Times that explore the relationship of weather conditions to a certain issue, such as global economics, famine or endangered species.

The New York Times

If you subscribe for a single month -- say you want the article comparing dishwashers in a certain issue -- you must remember to cancel your subscription at the end of the month.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Political cartoons typically comment on a certain event or issue.

WikiHow

Furthermore, the difference between the present and Shultz et al.'s [ 17] studies can be explained by a certain methodological issue.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, ensure the context provides enough clues for the audience to understand what "a certain issue" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain issue" if the audience is unlikely to know what you are referring to, as it can lead to confusion and require further clarification. Be specific when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain issue" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI explains that it refers to a specific topic/problem without explicit naming. It is used to denote something particular in a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain issue" is a versatile and commonly used expression that allows you to refer to a specific topic or problem without explicitly naming it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific writing. While its neutral register makes it widely applicable, it’s essential to ensure the context provides sufficient clues for the audience to understand the reference. Consider alternatives like "a specific matter" or "a particular concern" to add nuance or clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific matter

Replaces 'issue' with 'matter', emphasizing the particularity of the subject.

a particular concern

Substitutes 'issue' with 'concern', highlighting the element of worry or importance.

a given problem

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

a set problem

Replaces 'issue' with 'problem', emphasizing the problematic aspect of the topic, similar to 'a given problem'.

a defined topic

Replaces 'issue' with 'topic', emphasizing the clear and outlined nature of the subject.

a known challenge

Substitutes 'issue' with 'challenge', highlighting the difficulty or obstacle presented.

a designated subject

Uses 'subject' instead of 'issue', focusing on the theme or area of discussion.

a precise point

Replaces 'issue' with 'point', emphasizing a specific detail or argument.

a selected area

Substitutes 'issue' with 'area', highlighting a particular domain or field.

a identified question

Uses 'question' instead of 'issue', focusing on the interrogative or uncertain aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain issue" to refer to a particular topic or problem without directly naming it. For example, "We need to address "a certain issue" before moving forward."

What are some alternatives to using "a certain issue"?

Alternatives include "a specific matter", "a particular concern", or "a given problem", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain issue" instead of naming the issue directly?

It is appropriate when the issue is already known to the audience, when you want to be discreet, or when the specific details are not necessary for the current discussion.

Is "a certain issue" formal or informal?

"A certain issue" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to determine if a more direct term would be more effective.