a key issue is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key issue is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an important topic or concern that needs to be addressed in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In the context of climate change, a key issue is the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

A key issue is whether what is in the online accounts is "property" with any value.

Independent

A key issue is whether we use safety incident reports for learning or for performance management.

The Guardian

A key issue is cost: there is no something for nothing in international finance.

The Economist

In the private-equity industry, a key issue is picking the right companies to invest in.

The New Yorker

A key issue is the mismatch between training, skills and education.

The Guardian

A key issue is that large publishers do not agree that they ought to give bigger discounts to wholesalers.

The New York Times

A key issue is the extent to which the publication of data actually attracts further scrutiny and use".

The Guardian

A key issue is the methodology being used.

Forbes

A key issue is "fragmentation and variation" in services.

BBC

A key issue is the definition of "invasive".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure. While "a key issue is" is useful, avoid overusing it. Employ alternatives like "a central concern is" or "an important consideration is" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Be careful not to label something as "a key issue" if it's merely a symptom of a deeper problem. Thoroughly analyze the situation to pinpoint the root cause, not just the surface-level manifestations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key issue is" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. Ludwig examples show the phrase introduces and emphasizes a central point or problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key issue is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce and emphasize significant problems or concerns. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, from scientific research to news reports. The analysis reveals that it functions as a subject complement, directing attention to crucial aspects of a topic. While appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it's essential to use it judiciously and vary sentence structure by employing alternatives like "a central concern is" or "an important consideration is". Remember to clearly define the issue immediately following the phrase for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central concern is

Replaces 'key issue' with 'central concern', emphasizing the importance of a worry or problem.

a primary focus is

Substitutes 'key issue' with 'primary focus', highlighting the main area of attention or concentration.

a significant challenge is

Replaces 'key issue' with 'significant challenge', framing the point as a hurdle or obstacle.

an important consideration is

Changes 'key issue' to 'important consideration', suggesting a factor that must be carefully thought about.

a crucial point is

Replaces 'key issue' with 'crucial point', emphasizing the critical nature of the matter.

the main problem is

Substitutes 'key issue' with 'main problem', directly identifying the principal difficulty.

a critical factor is

Changes 'key issue' to 'critical factor', highlighting an element that is essential for success or understanding.

the core question is

Replaces 'key issue' with 'core question', framing the point as a fundamental inquiry.

the fundamental problem lies in

Changes 'a key issue is' to 'the fundamental problem lies in', shifting the sentence structure and slightly increasing formality.

the essence of the matter is

Substitutes 'key issue' with 'essence of the matter', offering a more philosophical or abstract way to express the central point.

FAQs

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

Use "a key issue is" to introduce a central problem or point of discussion. For example, "A key issue is the lack of funding for research."

What are some alternatives to saying "a key issue is"?

You can use alternatives like "a central concern is", "an important consideration is", or "a crucial point is" to vary your writing.

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular problem or challenge that needs to be addressed.

What's the difference between "a key issue is" and "a major problem is"?

While both phrases highlight a significant concern, "a key issue is" may refer to a broader topic needing attention, whereas "a major problem is" typically refers to a specific difficulty or obstacle.