a key issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight an important or significant topic or problem that needs to be addressed or considered. Example: "The report identifies a key issue that must be resolved before the project can move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chemistry remains a key issue.

The New York Times - Sports

But water remains a key issue.

The New York Times

Cost is a key issue.

The New York Times

Universities are a key issue, he says.

The Guardian

A key issue that emerged was maintenance.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a key issue in America.

The Guardian - Books

Implementation was identified as a key issue.

The Guardian

"A key issue for piezoelectric materials is order," he says.

The Economist

But the column doesn't address a key issue.

The New York Times

For Mr. Baraniuk, a key issue is quality control.

The New York Times

On a key issue, however, the curriculum seemed skimpy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key issue" to clearly identify a central problem or topic that needs attention or resolution. This helps focus the discussion and guide decision-making.

Common error

While "a key issue" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "a significant concern" or "a critical factor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key issue" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a particularly important or significant topic, problem, or consideration. Ludwig AI's examples show it frequently introduces problems requiring attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to highlight an important topic or problem. Ludwig AI indicates that it frequently introduces matters requiring attention in both News & Media and Science contexts. While effective, it's essential to avoid overuse and vary your language with alternatives like "a significant concern" or "a critical factor". This phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to prioritize specific elements within a broader context, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication. The analyzed examples demonstrate that the phrase is more common in "News & Media" and "Science" articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant issue

Replaces "key" with "significant", suggesting considerable importance but potentially less centrality.

a primary issue

Substitutes "key" with "primary", indicating that the issue is fundamental or of first importance.

a major concern

Replaces "issue" with "concern", framing it as something causing worry or anxiety.

a critical problem

Substitutes "key issue" with "critical problem", highlighting the urgency and potential severity of the situation.

a fundamental question

Replaces "issue" with "question", framing the point as something needing to be answered or considered in depth.

an essential point

Uses "essential point" instead of "key issue", emphasizing the necessity and importance of the detail.

a crucial factor

Replaces "issue" with "factor", framing it as an element that contributes to a particular outcome.

a central theme

Substitutes "key issue" with "central theme", indicating it is a recurring or dominant idea.

a vital consideration

Uses "vital consideration" instead of "key issue", emphasizing the necessity and importance of thinking something through.

a core element

Replaces "issue" with "element", presenting it as a constituent part of a larger whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key issue" to introduce an important point or problem in a discussion. For example, "A key issue is funding for the project" or "A key issue that emerged was the lack of communication".

What are some alternatives to "a key issue"?

Alternatives include "a significant issue", "a primary issue", or "a major concern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

The choice depends on whether you are referring to one of several important issues ("a key issue") or the single most important issue ("the key issue").

When is it appropriate to use "a key issue" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular point or problem. However, avoid overusing it to maintain variety and impact in your writing. Use it when the issue is, in fact, critical to the matter at hand.