a partisan issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a partisan issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or matter that is strongly supported or opposed by members of a particular political party or group. Example: "The debate over healthcare reform has become a partisan issue, with each party taking a firm stance on the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't a partisan issue.

The New York Times

It's not a partisan issue.

The Guardian

This is not a partisan issue.

The New York Times

"It's not a partisan issue," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

But this is not a partisan issue.

The New York Times

This isn't a partisan issue in America.

The New York Times

"This simply cannot be a partisan issue".

The Guardian

"This cannot become a partisan issue.

The Washington Post

It is not a partisan issue.

The Guardian

Since when is prevention a partisan issue?

The Washington Post

And it's not a partisan issue.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a partisan issue" to succinctly describe topics where political affiliation strongly influences opinion. This phrase efficiently conveys the idea of politically motivated division.

Common error

Avoid labeling every disagreement as "a partisan issue". Use the phrase specifically when differing political beliefs are the clear driving force behind the disagreement, not simply personal opinions or unrelated factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a partisan issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It serves to categorize a subject as one that is strongly influenced by political party affiliation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a partisan issue" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a topic heavily influenced by political party affiliation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across reputable sources. It is commonly found in news and media contexts and identifies subjects where finding common ground is difficult due to ideological divisions. When using this phrase, ensure that the issue is genuinely divided along political lines, and aim for neutrality by acknowledging different viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subject of partisan debate

This phrase specifies that the debate is driven by partisan (political party) affiliations.

a politically polarized issue

This highlights how the issue has caused opposing political views to become more extreme.

a political dividing line

This alternative focuses on the divisive nature of the issue, highlighting how it separates political viewpoints.

an issue that divides political parties

This alternative directly states the consequence of the issue: division among political parties.

a contentious political subject

This phrase emphasizes the disagreement and controversy surrounding the political subject.

a matter of political dispute

This alternative highlights the disagreement and debate within the political sphere.

a politically charged topic

This phrase stresses the emotional and potentially volatile nature of the topic in a political context.

a source of political disagreement

This option directly points out the issue as a root cause of political discord.

a politically sensitive subject

This alternative emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential political ramifications.

an ideological battleground

This emphasizes the conflict between differing ideologies within the political landscape.

FAQs

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

You can use "a partisan issue" to describe a topic or policy where opinions are strongly divided along political party lines. For example: "Healthcare reform has become "a partisan issue", with Democrats and Republicans holding opposing views."

What is a less formal way to say "a partisan issue"?

While "a partisan issue" is relatively neutral in tone, depending on the context you could use phrases like "a political football" or "a hot-button issue", although these carry a more informal connotation. "a political dividing line" is a less loaded but still clear alternative.

Is there a difference between "a partisan issue" and "a political issue"?

While related, "a political issue" is a broader term referring to any issue relevant to politics or government. "A partisan issue" specifically describes a political issue that is strongly associated with and divided along political party lines. Not all political issues are "a partisan issue".

What are some examples of topics that are often described as "a partisan issue"?

Common examples of issues frequently described as "a partisan issue" include climate change, gun control, immigration reform, and healthcare policy. These are topics where the views of Democrats and Republicans often sharply diverge.