a heavy issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heavy issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or problem that is serious, significant, or emotionally weighty. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change is a heavy issue that requires thoughtful consideration and action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Social Issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That means it has the potential to draw the criticism that it is making light of a heavy issue.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a heavier issue than you may think one that demands you pick it up, bear its weight, and learn to embrace the slow burn of inclusivity.

Vice

It's a heavier issue than you may think one that demands you pick it up, bear its weight and learn to embrace the slow burn of inclusivity.

Vice

"There was a little moment of doubt, because it's a taboo issue, such a heavy subject," Ms. Flutur said.

The New York Times

"This was a very heavy issue," Mr. Mohammad said.

The New York Times

"This is a heavy, laden issue which no matter which way you turn, someone is going to be irritated," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Reed Tuckson, executive vice president and chief of medical affairs of UnitedHealth Group who co-chaired the ACD working group on diversity with Tabak, praised NIH's response to "a heavy, laden issue" at time when the agency faces budget cuts.

Science Magazine

Books like MARCH that speaks to a heavy social issue and life experiences that kids can learn about [and] I think that short stories about being a decent human being, about being fair and discovering adventures.

Huffington Post

Another heavy issue at hand with the Hen Harrier, and one full of political charge.

The Guardian - Books

"Don't expect a very sophisticated dialogue on a lot of heavy issues--there just isn't the time," said Dan Greenblat, administrative assistant to Rep. Bill Lowery (R-San Diego) and a respected local campaign operative.

Los Angeles Times

(Example, the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a comedy that points to what life is like for people after they've been held hostage for years. The fact they made a comedy out of such heavy issues is a miracle). Get your commentary & credentials about these public matters in your journals.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heavy issue" when you want to convey not just importance, but also the emotional or societal weight carried by a particular subject.

Common error

Avoid using "a heavy issue" repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy issue" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a topic or problem of considerable significance and emotional weight, as supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a heavy issue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a subject laden with significance and emotional weight. As Ludwig points out, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, suitable for general discussions but potentially requiring more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. When incorporating this phrase into writing, consider the context and audience, and avoid overuse to maintain impact. The examples Ludwig provides highlight its versatility and acceptance across diverse publications. The analysis reveals that it effectively communicates the seriousness and potential burden associated with a given topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious problem

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the issue.

a significant matter

Highlights the importance of the issue.

a weighty concern

Implies the issue carries substantial importance and consequence.

a grave situation

Indicates the issue is critical and potentially dangerous.

a pressing question

Suggests the issue requires immediate attention and resolution.

a difficult challenge

Focuses on the demanding nature of the issue.

a complex dilemma

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the issue.

a troubling development

Suggests the issue is worrying and potentially negative.

a critical juncture

Indicates the issue represents a crucial point in time.

a major predicament

Emphasizes the difficult or dangerous situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heavy issue" to describe a significant problem or topic. For example: "Climate change is "a heavy issue" that needs global cooperation."

What are some alternatives to "a heavy issue"?

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

Is "a heavy issue" too informal for academic writing?

While "a heavy issue" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "a significant matter" or "a critical challenge" in academic contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What makes "a heavy issue" different from "an important issue"?

"A heavy issue" implies not just importance, but also a sense of burden or emotional weight associated with the topic, whereas "an important issue" simply denotes significance.