a passing issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem or concern that is temporary or not significant in the long term. Example: "While we faced some challenges during the project, I believe they were just a passing issue that we can easily overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I have looked for a leader who would talk about responsibility and not blame, who would talk about these problems as a crisis, not simply as a passing issue that will go away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These include a pass issued by the bishop of Manchester to Dr Donald Horrocks, the head of public affairs for the Evangelical Alliance; two passes for Christian public affairs officers from the bishop of Chester; and a pass from Lady Berridge for Colin Bloom, the director of the Conservative Christian Fellowship.

The Guardian

Besides, Marcoccio maintains, Gartner wouldn't risk its reputation for highly accurate forecasts over a single, passing issue.

Forbes

The capital Roberts has built up with this decision may mean he gets a pass to issue extreme rulings on a number of key constitutional questions.

Huffington Post

Horton, a convicted murderer, had escaped while on a weekend pass issued by a Massachusetts furlough program.

The New Yorker

For sporting events, a press pass issued by a stadium grants access to the press box.

Wikipedia

Ann Roman, a Secret Service spokeswoman, said that to gain access to highly secure areas, visitors must have not only a credential but also a second pass, issued by the Secret Service, that includes the holder's name and photograph.

The New York Times

"Using a discounted pass issued to another person, however, is considered one of the more serious offences where our policy allows for prosecution for a first offence.

The Guardian - Money

To get on the flight, which is chartered by Pluspetrol, the Argentine firm that operates the gas concession, passengers must have a medical pass, issued only after vaccination against flu and yellow fever.These conditions embody bitter lessons.

The Economist

Those on the Palestinian side may not cross into annexed East Jerusalem — to go to work or school, to visit family, to buy groceries — without a temporary pass issued at the discretion of the Israeli authorities.

The New Yorker

Under a proposal now gaining traction in Albany, though, New Yorkers may soon be answering to an authority more suited to the city's topography: cameras that record the speed of a passing car and issue violations automatically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a passing issue", ensure the context clearly indicates the matter is temporary and not of major importance. This avoids misleading the reader into thinking the problem is more significant than it is.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing issue" to describe problems that have lasting impacts or require substantial attention. Misusing the phrase can downplay genuine concerns and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, as exemplified in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing issue" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a problem or concern of temporary and minor significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, albeit infrequent, primarily in news and media. When employing this phrase, consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation, as overstating or understating the importance of a problem can damage your credibility. Alternatives include "a fleeting concern" or "a temporary problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting concern

Replaces 'issue' with 'concern', implying a less formal and perhaps more personal worry that is temporary.

a temporary problem

Substitutes 'issue' with 'problem', focusing on the transient nature of the difficulty.

a short-lived matter

Emphasizes the brief duration of the 'issue', using more formal vocabulary.

a momentary difficulty

Highlights the transient and challenging aspect of the 'issue'.

a trivial concern

Focuses on the insignificance of the 'issue', suggesting it's not worth much attention.

a minor setback

Presents the 'issue' as a small obstacle in progress.

a transient hiccup

Uses a more informal word, 'hiccup', to describe a brief interruption or problem.

an inconsequential matter

Stresses the unimportance of the 'issue' using more sophisticated vocabulary.

a superficial problem

Indicates the issue is not deep or fundamental.

a negligible event

Presents the matter as insignificant and easily overlooked.

FAQs

What does "a passing issue" mean?

The phrase "a passing issue" refers to a problem or concern that is temporary, insignificant, and not expected to have long-term consequences.

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

You can use "a passing issue" to describe a temporary problem that doesn't require significant attention. For example: "The software glitch was "a passing issue" that was quickly resolved."

What are some synonyms for "a passing issue"?

Alternatives to "a passing issue" include "a fleeting concern", "a temporary problem", or "a short-lived matter".

Is it appropriate to use "a passing issue" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a passing issue" may sound somewhat dismissive in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "a minor setback" or "a temporary challenge".