a formal issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or problem that is serious, official, or requires adherence to established protocols or standards. Example: "The committee will address a formal issue regarding the new policy implementation at the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mohamed Badie and 13 other senior members of the group were sentenced on 16 March, with a formal issue for the ruling after consultation with the grand mufti, Egypt's highest Islamic legal official, made on 11 April.

Independent

And the conduct of Southern California Gas is not a formal issue in the proceeding, which is limited to whether El Paso possessed or exercised "market power" that allowed it to artificially raise prices.

The New York Times

"An Ecuadorean lawyer has taken up this question as a formal issue in the introduction of the hearing".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Wise is expected to attend the event, which comes on the heels of a formal apology issued via mass email by the school's student body president.

Huffington Post

Mandamus, ( Latin: we command) originally a formal writ issued by the English crown commanding an official to perform a specific act within the duty of his office.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A caution is a formal warning issued by police to someone who has admitted a criminal offence.

BBC

Twitter replied with several quotes from a formal response issued to Amnesty International on December 12, Vijaya Gadde, Twitter's legal, policy and trust and safety global lead.

TechCrunch

China has reacted angrily to a formal statement issued on Monday by the 10 countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations, criticising its huge island-building programme in the Spratly Islands.

BBC

The I.R.S. then scrambled to issue a formal release on the issue.

The New York Times

The following day, Walker issued a formal statement on the matter, calling the outcome "disappointing".

TechCrunch

Results were verified using a diagnostic grade assay in a certified laboratory, and a formal report was issued.

Genome Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal issue", ensure the context clearly indicates that the matter is not just important, but also requires adherence to specific rules or procedures.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal issue" when simply emphasizing the importance of a matter. The term implies a structured process or official protocol is involved, not just significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal issue" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a matter or problem that is officially recognized and often requires a structured or procedural response. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal issue" denotes a matter requiring official attention and adherence to established procedures. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is typically found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the structured or official nature of the issue, distinguishing it from a mere problem or concern. Using alternatives like "an official matter" or "a structured problem" can provide similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official matter

Emphasizes the official nature of the issue, focusing on its bureaucratic or procedural aspects.

a structured problem

Highlights the organized or systematic nature of the issue, implying a need for a methodical approach.

a documented concern

Focuses on the fact that the issue has been recorded or acknowledged in writing.

a procedural question

Suggests that the issue relates to specific protocols or processes that need to be addressed.

a regulated matter

Implies that the issue is subject to rules or regulations that govern its handling.

a standardized problem

Indicates that the issue follows a defined pattern or set of criteria.

an established concern

Highlights the fact that the issue is recognized and accepted as a legitimate point of worry.

a codified problem

Suggests the issue is formally written into rules or laws.

a prescribed matter

Highlights that a specific course of action is expected to handle the issue.

a systematic question

Suggests a widespread issue impacting many areas or levels.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal issue" to refer to a matter that requires official attention or follows a specific procedure. For example, "The committee will address "a formal issue" regarding budget allocations at the next meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "a formal issue"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "an official matter", "a structured problem", or "a documented concern".

When is it appropriate to use "a formal issue" versus a more general term like "problem"?

"A formal issue" is most appropriate when the problem requires an official process, documentation, or adherence to specific protocols. Use a general term like "problem" when the matter is less structured or official.

What is the difference between "a formal issue" and "a regular issue"?

"A formal issue" implies an official process or procedure is involved, whereas "a regular issue" simply denotes a recurring or common problem without necessarily requiring formal action.