a critical issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a matter of great importance or urgency that requires attention or action. Example: "The lack of access to clean water in the region has become a critical issue that needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Silence, silence on a critical issue".

Independent

It's a critical issue for Washington.

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

Ergonomics is a critical issue.

Socially Responsible IT Management

Inequality is a critical issue globally.

The Guardian

And it's a -- it's a critical issue.

The New York Times

A critical issue you're absolutely right.

Cornell University

Time is such a critical issue for teachers".

The New York Times

"This was a critical issue for many reasons," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a critical issue" when you want to emphasize the importance and urgency of a problem that needs immediate attention and resolution. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "a critical issue" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a crucial matter" or "a pressing concern" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific topic or problem as being of utmost importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical issue" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that highlights the importance and urgency of a particular problem. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its wide applicability across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science and Formal & Business makes it a versatile choice for emphasizing significance. While highly useful, it's important to consider synonyms like "a crucial matter" or "a pressing concern" to avoid repetition. When using this phrase, be sure to provide context and specifics about the issue to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial matter

Emphasizes the importance of the matter at hand.

a pressing concern

Highlights the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a significant problem

Focuses on the size or impact of the problem.

a key challenge

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the issue.

a vital question

Stresses the importance of finding an answer or solution.

a central point

Highlights its importance as a fundamental element.

an urgent priority

Emphasizes that it needs to be addressed before other things.

a major consideration

Highlights the importance of the problem when making decisions.

a serious concern

Emphasizes the gravity and potential negative consequences.

a fundamental question

Focuses on the core and foundational aspects of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a critical issue" to highlight a significant problem. For example, "Climate change is "a critical issue" that demands immediate action."

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

You can use alternatives like "a crucial matter", "a pressing concern", or "a significant problem" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a critical issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a critical issue" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and direct way to identify a problem that requires attention. However, consider using more specific language if possible.

What's the difference between "a critical issue" and "a sensitive issue"?

"A critical issue" emphasizes the importance and urgency of a problem, while "a sensitive issue" suggests that the topic may be delicate or controversial.