a legitimate issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"a legitimate issue" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a contested matter, concern, or topic that is deemed by some to be of lawful or authentic significance. For example, "The increasing prevalence of fake news has been a legitimate issue in political elections for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Legal aid is a legitimate issue.

The Guardian

Merit pay is a legitimate issue.

The New York Times

MR. DODD: Well, that's a legitimate issue.

The New York Times

I think that is a legitimate issue in this campaign.

The New York Times

McCain's age is a legitimate issue in this election.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said: "Someone's record is a legitimate issue.

The New York Times

This was a legitimate issue throughout the 2016 campaign.

The Washington Post

How is this not a legitimate issue for the pro-growth, pro-mobility right?

The Economist

And that is a legitimate issue that we've got to address".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a legitimate issue, and a complicated one," she said.

The New York Times

Land distribution is a legitimate issue in Zimbabwe, a legacy of British colonial rule.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a legitimate issue" to introduce a topic that warrants serious discussion and consideration, especially when there may be differing opinions about its importance or validity.

Common error

Avoid using "a legitimate issue" in casual conversations or informal writing. It is generally more appropriate for formal discussions, debates, or written analyses where a sense of objectivity and validity is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate issue" functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify a subject or matter that is worthy of consideration and discussion. It is commonly employed to introduce topics recognized as valid and important. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase effectively highlights various concerns and topics across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a legitimate issue" is a commonly used phrase that identifies a valid and important subject for consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it finds frequent application across a wide array of reputable sources, especially in News & Media, and formal and business contexts. The phrase serves to underscore the significance of a topic, prompting thoughtful discussion and potential action. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations calling for a degree of formality, ensuring its impact is not diluted by overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A valid concern

Replaces 'issue' with 'concern', focusing on worry or interest.

A genuine problem

Substitutes 'issue' with 'problem', highlighting the troublesome aspect.

A rightful matter

Replaces 'legitimate' with 'rightful' and 'issue' with 'matter', emphasizing justness.

A valid point

Replaces 'issue' with 'point', focusing on a specific idea or argument.

A real consideration

Replaces 'issue' with 'consideration', highlighting the need for thought.

A justifiable concern

Combines 'justifiable' and 'concern', suggesting a valid reason for worry.

A reasonable question

Replaces 'issue' with 'question', framing it as something to be asked.

A fair subject

Substitutes 'issue' with 'subject', presenting it as a topic for discussion.

A significant challenge

Replaces "issue" with "challenge", highlighting the difficulty it presents.

A substantive matter

Replaces 'issue' with 'matter', focusing on the importance and reality of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a legitimate issue" to introduce a topic that deserves serious consideration. For instance, "Data privacy is "a legitimate issue" in the digital age".

What's a more informal way to say "a legitimate issue"?

In less formal contexts, you could say "a real problem" or "a valid point" instead of ""a legitimate issue"".

Is "a legitimate issue" the same as "a legal issue"?

No, while related, ""a legitimate issue"" refers to any matter deserving attention, whereas "a legal issue" specifically concerns laws and regulations.

Can "a legitimate issue" be subjective?

Yes, what constitutes ""a legitimate issue"" can vary depending on individual perspectives and values, though it generally implies a broad consensus of importance.