a dangerous issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dangerous issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a problem or topic that involves risk or harm. For example, "Climate change is a dangerous issue that we need to work together to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

You can't even speak English!" Immigration is a dangerous issue in the hands of the media.

Independent

The draft is a dangerous issue for the Republicans, and that's why they are desperately trying to suppress discussion of it.

The New York Times

He was able to tolerate his stomach aches with pain relief tablets, but heart problems were a dangerous issue and he realised, quite rightly, that this time he needed to fight more seriously for his wellbeing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those who've spoken to Emanuel about immigration said he has long seen it as a dangerous issue for Democrats.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is not a 'sexy' issue in society, actually it's a very dangerous issue that as far as politicians are concerned could antagonise many voters".

The Guardian

"It made sex for me such a complicated, dangerous issue that I risked myself much too much.

The Guardian

"The Libyan Government has chosen a very dangerous issue on which to express its apparent pique about perceived problems in the bilateral relationship," the American ambassador, Gene A. Cretz, wrote to Washington.

The New York Times

COMMENT AND ACTION REQUEST 14. (S/NF) The Libyan Government has chosen a very dangerous issue on which to express its apparent pique about perceived problems in the bilateral relationship, a point the Ambassador underscored with Saif al-Islam.

The Guardian

"It goes into every economic activity - transportation, bread making, it's a very dangerous issue".

BBC

We know this all too well: The first time "too big to fail" surfaced as a big dangerous issue was not during Lehman's meltdown, but during the near collapse of Continental Illinois Bank in 1984.

Forbes

Although it appears that the combatants in this skirmish emerged relatively unscathed, fan violence has become an increasingly dangerous issue.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dangerous issue", clearly define what makes the issue dangerous and the potential consequences if it is not addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "a dangerous issue" as a generic phrase. Always provide specific details about the issue and the nature of the danger involved to make your writing more impactful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dangerous issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "dangerous" modifies the noun "issue". This phrase typically serves to identify a specific topic or situation as presenting a potential threat or risk. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dangerous issue" is a phrase used to describe a topic or situation that poses a significant risk or threat. While grammatically correct and appearing in various reputable sources according to Ludwig, it is relatively rare. To maximize clarity and impact, it's crucial to define the source and nature of the danger when employing this phrase. Alternatives such as "a serious problem" or "a grave concern" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase functions as a noun phrase, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", focusing on the problematic nature of the subject.

a grave concern

Substitutes "dangerous issue" with "grave concern", emphasizing the level of worry.

a risky matter

Uses "risky matter" instead of "dangerous issue", focusing on the element of risk.

a perilous situation

Replaces "issue" with "situation" and "dangerous" with "perilous", suggesting imminent danger.

a thorny question

Emphasizes the difficult and complicated nature of the issue.

a critical challenge

Focuses on the importance and difficulty of overcoming the issue.

a pressing problem

Highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the issue.

a sensitive topic

Replaces "dangerous" with "sensitive", highlighting the delicate nature of the issue.

a complex dilemma

Focuses on the intricate and puzzling nature of the issue.

a hazardous situation

Emphasizes the potential for harm or danger associated with the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dangerous issue" to describe a topic or problem that poses a significant risk or threat. For example, "Cybersecurity is "a dangerous issue" for businesses of all sizes".

What are some alternatives to "a dangerous issue"?

Alternatives include "a serious problem", "a grave concern", or "a risky matter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a dangerous issue" a formal or informal phrase?

"A dangerous issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but in formal writing, it's important to provide specific evidence and context to support your claim.

What makes an issue "dangerous"?

An issue is considered "dangerous" when it has the potential to cause harm, whether physical, emotional, financial, or otherwise. The severity and likelihood of the harm determine the level of danger.