a dire issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dire issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a serious and critical problem or situation. For example: "The state of the economy is a dire issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Malnutrition is a dire issue in the developing world.

Huffington Post

These munificent spirits selflessly set aside their unfathomably important lives in addressing such a dire issue.

Huffington Post

More importantly though, Christie's endorsement has highlighted a dire issue facing the Republican Party.

Huffington Post

Racism is a dire issue, but in dealing with it, humor has its place — when applied judiciously.

Huffington Post

Although data points to several areas of progress, the alliance notes a lack of housing options for impoverished Americans remains a dire issue.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's a really stark, really dire issue, and it's a growing problem," said Sunita Patel, a lawyer at the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York who is part of an international working group of legal advocates and mental health providers seeking more protective rules.

The New York Times

At issue is a dire warning issued this week by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which called for severe restrictions on advertising aimed at children (pediatrics.aappublications.org).org

The New York Times

I hope that America can do better, that we can address the dire issue of poverty, of income inequality, of the jobs crisis without resorting to demagoguery and divide-and-conquer strategies that only weaken our nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But as for the dire issue of antibiotic resistance and the role played by use in livestock overall, he said, "there is little doubt in the scientific community".

Huffington Post

Not one peep was heard before Election Day about Fiscal Cliffery, but now it is the most important and dire issue the universe has ever thrown at our fair country.

Huffington Post

Even a dire warning issued by a photojournalist just weeks before we set off ("Outside of Baghdad, Caracas is the most dangerous capital in the world") could not deter us.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dire issue", ensure that the surrounding text provides specific details about the problem to highlight its significance. Avoid using it as a vague descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "dire" simply as a synonym for "bad" or "unpleasant". It should be reserved for situations that are truly critical and have potentially devastating consequences. Use more neutral terms if the issue is not particularly urgent or severe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dire issue" functions as a noun phrase, where 'dire' modifies 'issue' to emphasize its critical and urgent nature. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes a serious problem demanding immediate attention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dire issue" is a phrase used to describe a serious and critical problem that requires immediate attention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the issue is genuinely critical and that the surrounding text provides enough detail to justify the strong language. Alternatives include phrases such as "a critical problem" or "a grave concern", offering options for varying the tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical problem

Replaces "dire issue" with a more general term for a serious problem.

a grave concern

Substitutes "dire issue" with a phrase emphasizing worry and seriousness.

a pressing matter

Changes "dire issue" to highlight the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a serious challenge

Replaces "dire issue" with a term focused on the difficulty and importance of the problem.

a significant crisis

Substitutes "dire issue" with a phrase emphasizing the severity and potential consequences of the problem.

a major problem

Changes "dire issue" to highlight the importance of the situation.

a severe situation

Replaces "dire issue" with a phrase emphasizing the harsh and difficult circumstances.

a troubling matter

Substitutes "dire issue" with a term focused on the worrying and concerning nature of the problem.

a worrying trend

Changes "dire issue" to describe an alarming pattern or development.

a fundamental issue

Replaces "dire issue" with a term that highlights the importance and foundational nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dire issue" to emphasize the critical and urgent nature of a problem. For example, "Malnutrition is "a dire issue" in the developing world".

What are some alternatives to "a dire issue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a critical problem", "a grave concern", or "a pressing matter", which convey similar senses of urgency and importance.

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

Yes, "a dire issue" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing serious and urgent problems in news reports, academic papers, or business communications. However, ensure the context justifies the strong language.

What makes "a dire issue" different from "a serious issue"?

"A dire issue" suggests a more immediate and potentially catastrophic situation than "a serious issue". While both describe significant problems, "a dire issue" implies a greater sense of urgency and potential for severe consequences.