a main issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or primary concern in a particular context or topic. Example: "The report highlighted a main issue that needs to be addressed before moving forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jerusalem is a main issue of dispute.

The New York Times

At Columbia, money was a main issue.

The New York Times

A slow rate of lot occupancy became a main issue to address.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A main issue for abstract argumentation systems is the selection of acceptable sets of arguments.

Artificial Intelligence

Benjamin Netanyahu Seeking a fourth term, the 65-year-old has made security a main issue.

Independent

Artifacts have been taken and are for sale now and this is a main issue.

The Guardian

Diplomats said a main issue would be determining if the failed launch violated any resolutions.

The New York Times

It was also a main issue during campaigning for the parliamentary elections in February.

The New York Times

A main issue in virus quantitation is the absence of reference material.

Talanta

A main issue with such a configuration is the tower shadow effect.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

This theory deals with data locality which is a main issue in parallel programming.

Parallel Computing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a main issue" with action-oriented verbs to emphasize the need for addressing it. Examples: "A main issue to resolve", "A main issue to overcome"

Common error

Avoid using "a main issue" without clearly specifying what the issue is and why it matters. Vague references can confuse the reader and diminish the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a central problem or concern within a given context, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a main issue" is a versatile phrase used to highlight a central problem or concern across various contexts. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is particularly common in scientific and news-related content, offering a neutral tone suitable for formal and informal discussions. To maximize clarity, be specific when identifying the issue and its relevance. Alternatives such as "a key concern" or "a primary problem" can be used to add nuance, but ensure the context remains clear. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "a main issue" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key concern

Focuses on the element of worry or importance.

a primary problem

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the issue.

a central question

Highlights the issue as a point of inquiry.

a major challenge

Stresses the difficulty involved.

a critical factor

Emphasizes the importance of the element.

a significant aspect

Underlines the notability of the facet.

a core element

Highlights the essential nature of the issue.

a vital point

Stresses the importance of the topic.

a prominent subject

Highlights the notability of the topic.

a top priority

Indicates the urgency and importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a main issue" to introduce a central problem, topic, or concern in a discussion. For example, "A main issue is the lack of funding for the project."

What are some alternatives to "a main issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a key concern", "a primary problem", or "a major challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the main issue is" or "a main issue is"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "The main issue is" implies there's only one central issue, while "a main issue is" suggests it's one of several significant issues.

What makes "a main issue" different from "a minor issue"?

"A main issue" refers to a central or significant problem that requires attention, whereas "a minor issue" indicates a less important or less urgent concern.