a concrete issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a concrete issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific, tangible problem or matter that can be clearly identified and addressed. Example: "The committee needs to focus on a concrete issue that affects the community, such as the lack of affordable housing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A concrete issue is the problem of power-plant location, an urgent question in many advanced and developing countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even this bumper-sticker shorthand—"public option"—has helped transform it from a concrete issue into a rallying cry: the ultimate expression of communitarian ideals for one side, the most insidious example of thinly-veiled socialism for the other.

The Economist

The treatment gap, as demonstrated by the two case examples, is not an abstract concept but a concrete issue with a real impact on citizens.

Global Health Action

Consequently, we will start from the assumption that there is a plurality of coexisting normative-ethical theories which could be applied to a concrete issue [ 21].

BMC Medical Ethics

The idea of the "application" of an ethical theory to a concrete issue should be understood as having a three-sided relationship: something is applied to something to some end ([ 26], p. 58 f .. "Application," thus, always carries a teleological momentum, as it is inherently related to a purpose to which the application is supposed to serve.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When Mr. Benkirane spoke to the crowd in Tangier, he rarely addressed any concrete issues.

The New York Times

A second and more concrete issue, he said, is that the resolution would channel oil revenues as well as other sources of money into a fund that would be for the benefit of Iraqi people but managed by American and British leaders.

The New York Times

Philosophical-ethical theories are presented and discussed much more often without much explanation regarding their inherent relatedness or the ways of selecting one for the treatment of a concrete ethical issue [ 27- 29].

BMC Medical Ethics

"The only concrete issue on the table now is the state takeover".

The New York Times

Eventually one approach manages to resolve some concrete issue, and investigators concur in pursuing it they follow the "paradigm".

Encyclopedia Britannica

So as well as discussing the wider issues, I think it's necessary that we start taking action on one concrete issue now: arts organisations' sponsorship by oil.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a concrete issue" when you want to highlight that the problem you are addressing is specific, tangible and not just theoretical or abstract.

Common error

Avoid using "a concrete issue" when discussing abstract or philosophical topics. It is more appropriate for practical, real-world problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concrete issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Its purpose is to identify a specific and tangible problem or matter, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concrete issue" is a noun phrase used to denote a specific and tangible problem. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While relatively rare in occurrence, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources. When using the phrase, ensure it refers to a real, actionable problem rather than an abstract concept. Alternatives include "a specific problem" or "a tangible matter". The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific problem

Focuses on the problem's specificity, omitting the tangibility aspect.

a tangible problem

Emphasizes the problem's tangibility, but not necessarily its specificity.

a well-defined issue

Highlights the clarity and scope of the issue.

a practical matter

Shifts the focus to the practicality and real-world implications.

a real-world problem

Stresses the authenticity and relevance of the issue.

a particular concern

Emphasizes the aspect of worry or interest related to the issue.

an actual issue

Underlines the genuineness and actuality of the problem.

a clear-cut case

Highlights the straightforward and unambiguous nature of the situation.

a definitive matter

Emphasizes the conclusiveness and decisiveness of the issue.

an established problem

Stresses the long-standing or recognized nature of the issue.

FAQs

How to use "a concrete issue" in a sentence?

Use "a concrete issue" to refer to a specific and tangible problem that needs to be addressed. For example, "The lack of affordable housing is "a concrete issue" for many families in the city".

What can I say instead of "a concrete issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific problem", "a tangible matter", or "a well-defined issue" depending on the context.

Is "a concrete issue" formal or informal language?

"A concrete issue" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. It avoids overly technical or informal phrasing.

What's the difference between "a concrete issue" and "an abstract problem"?

"A concrete issue" refers to a problem that is tangible and easily identifiable, while "an abstract problem" refers to a problem that is theoretical and not easily defined or observed.