a decisive issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a matter or topic that is critical in determining an outcome or making a decision. Example: "The debate centered around a decisive issue that could shape the future of the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This is why the NHS is set to be a decisive issue at the election".

Independent

Yet even there it is hard to see Israel as a decisive issue.

The Economist

Not surprisingly, gay marriage is more likely to be a decisive issue for gays than for opponents.

The New York Times - Magazine

Education policy will not be a decisive issue in the May election with the dominant issues being immigration, the NHS and the economy.

The Guardian

He also ridiculed Mr. Torricelli's claim that his ethics would not be a decisive issue in the campaign, since prosecutors chose not to bring charges against him.

The New York Times

A decisive issue remains whether the government legalises gambling; if it does not, racing will have to depend on sponsors.Similarly, the transfer of many great horses from west to east may erode the supremacy of British bloodstock.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

On the third hand, and this is a rather decisive issue, the insurance industry has rendered its judgment on the safety of nuclear power, and it is decisively negative.

The Economist

"Certainly more than 1 million British citizens live in the other 27 member states, so that is a very decisive issue for the UK government and certainly the other way around; more than 300,000 German citizens, for instance, are living in the UK, so I think we have the same interests".

The Guardian

Can or will this growing fear of ISIS be a possibly decisive issue in 2016, as the far worse 9/11 was in 2001, 2002 and 2004?

Huffington Post

Michael B. Gerrard, a lawyer representing a group of small business owners, said his case rested on a seemingly arcane but decisive issue: two ramps that the city had pledged to build to connect Willets Point to the Van Wyck Expressway and help offset the up to 80,000 vehicle trips a day that experts say the entire development will generate.

The New York Times

But this one was unusual first because it involved the DPP, Alison Saunders, herself, and second because the decisive issue was not a question of the strength of the evidence but whether prosecution itself was in the public interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decisive issue", ensure the context clearly demonstrates its impact on the outcome or decision being discussed. This strengthens the phrase's effectiveness and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive issue" when the issue only has a minor or limited influence. Overstating its importance can weaken your argument and credibility. Ensure the issue truly determines the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular matter as being crucial or determinative in a given context. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is frequently used in diverse contexts to pinpoint a significant element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive issue" is a commonly used phrase that effectively highlights a critical factor influencing an outcome or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure its significance is clear and justified to maintain the strength and credibility of your writing. While alternatives like "a key factor" or "a pivotal point" exist, "a decisive issue" succinctly conveys the idea of an element that determines a result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key factor

Focuses on the importance of the element in question.

a pivotal point

Highlights the turning nature of the issue.

a critical consideration

Emphasizes the need to carefully evaluate the issue.

a game changer

Suggests the issue significantly alters the situation.

a turning point

Indicates a moment where a significant change occurs.

a make-or-break situation

Conveys the high stakes and potential for success or failure.

a determining factor

Highlights the issue's influence on the final outcome.

a central concern

Points to the issue being a primary focus of attention.

a crucial element

Highlights the element being of great importance.

a significant factor

Stresses the importance of the influencing element.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decisive issue" to highlight a factor that significantly influences a decision, outcome or situation. For example: "The economy proved to be "a decisive issue" in the election."

What are some alternatives to "a decisive issue"?

Alternatives include "a key factor", "a pivotal point", or "a critical consideration", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a decisive issue" or "the decisive issue"?

The choice depends on the context. "A decisive issue" is suitable when introducing a significant factor among others. "The decisive issue" implies that it is the single most important factor.

What makes an issue "decisive"?

An issue is "decisive" when its presence or absence, or its resolution, directly and significantly determines the outcome or direction of a situation. It is a factor that carries substantial weight.