a former issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a former issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or topic that was previously relevant or discussed but is no longer current. Example: "In our last meeting, we addressed a former issue that had been affecting team morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the former issue, an archive pool of size m is chosen from the parent population depending on fitness.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The former issue is still debated.

SEP

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Days after Haitians watched an exiled dictator come home, a former president issued a statement on Wednesday that fueled rumors that he, too, was angling to return.

The New York Times

After Manuel Gaona Sousa, one of the founders of the ALC and a former anarchist, issued a manifesto in support of the government, declaring all those opposing the government to be "traitors", Moscú and another anarchist, Manuel González were arrested in Havana.

Wikipedia

Banks, 42, is a former Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover girl and Victoria's Secret model.

Los Angeles Times

The 46-year-old Hunter is a former Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover girl and fashion model.

Los Angeles Times

Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini, a former Ohio State player, issued a statement in support of Tressel.

The New York Times - Sports

A former Florida congressman issued Banah's chairman a Congressional certificate.

The New York Times

Avigdor Lieberman, Israel's foreign minister, himself a former Soviet citizen, issued an anodyne statement of concern about Ukraine before meeting Mr Kerry.

The Economist

Shortly after the announcement, a former TTP spokesman issued a statement sayingsaid the army's claims were based on "thoughts and fantasies".

The Guardian

Ever since Paul Volcker, a former Fed chairman, issued his proposal, at the start of 2010, the big banks have vigorously opposed it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a former issue", ensure it's clear what specific problem or subject you're referring back to. Provide context if necessary to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a former issue" repeatedly without specifying which issue you mean. This can confuse readers. Refer to the specific issue by name or provide a brief description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a former issue" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it references a previously relevant problem or topic. It's used to denote something that was once pertinent but is no longer the primary focus.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a former issue" is a grammatically correct phrase used to refer to a past problem or topic. Ludwig AI notes that the phrase is used to address subjects that were previously relevant, but this analysis reveals a lack of real-world examples, suggesting that it may not be frequently used. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide adequate context to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "a previous matter" or "an earlier concern" may offer more specific or clearer options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a previous matter

Replaces 'issue' with a more general term 'matter'.

a past problem

Substitutes 'former' with 'past' and 'issue' with 'problem'.

an earlier concern

Uses 'earlier' instead of 'former' and 'concern' instead of 'issue'.

a prior difficulty

Replaces 'former' with 'prior' and 'issue' with 'difficulty'.

a bygone question

Employs 'bygone' and 'question' for a more distanced sense of the past.

a resolved dispute

Implies that the former issue has been settled.

a settled affair

Indicates that the issue is concluded and no longer relevant.

a closed case

Suggests the issue has been investigated and finalized.

a historical point

Positions the issue within a broader historical context.

a superseded topic

Highlights that the topic is outdated or replaced by something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "a former issue" to refer to a problem or topic that was previously relevant. For example: "In our last meeting, we addressed "a former issue" that had been affecting team morale."

What's a good alternative to "a former issue"?

Alternatives include "a previous matter", "a past problem", or "an earlier concern", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to clarify what "a former issue" refers to?

While not always mandatory, providing context for "a former issue" enhances clarity. If the issue is well-known, it might be unnecessary, but for less familiar topics, clarification is beneficial.

Can "a former issue" refer to something positive?

While often used in the context of problems or concerns, "a former issue" can also refer to a past topic, discussion, or situation that isn't necessarily negative. The specific context determines the connotation.