a primary issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"a primary issue" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase in written English.
It refers to a main or most important problem or topic that is being discussed. Example: The primary issue facing our country today is the high rate of unemployment among young adults.

✓ Grammatically correct

Construction industry

Climate change

Unemployment

Vascular wall mechanics

Smart chemical processes

Land degradation

Solder joint reliability

TRISO fuel operation

Agricultural landscapes

Patient-centeredness

Safety

Adaptive simulations

Revenue sharing

Balcony beams

Neighborhood search procedures

Biomaterial surfaces

Investment portfolio

Gay marriage

Age representation

Cell adhesion

Guantanamo prisoners

Mobile device chips

School attendance

Adhesion reformation

MNC fabrication

Citizen and places

Cognitive sharing of an object

Volcano warning level

Sleep monitoring in ICU

Panama papers journalists

RHI scheme

Mental health care

Internal validity

Public service cuts

Red River dam

Food security

Black business

Police reform

Arizona style secession

Mine water pressure

War profiteering

1994 crime bill

South China Sea

Deep-sea benthos

Trust

Staff Knowledge

Abnormal proprioception

Access to School

Cell invasion

Homeless Population

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Currently, sustainability represents a primary issue for construction industry.

Construction and Building Materials

"This is an issue we'd view as secondary, and not a primary issue at all".

The New York Times

A primary issue is that the COP process is focused on the wrong target.

The Guardian

Unemployment has been a primary issue for protesters in Tunisia and Egypt.

The Guardian

For many hemophiliacs infected with H.I.V., money has become a primary issue.

The New York Times

Understanding and modelling vascular wall mechanics is a primary issue in the study of circulatory diseases.

Optics and Lasers in Engineering

Sustainability is a primary issue in the design of "smart" chemical processes.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Land degradation is a primary issue that affects environmental conservation and socioeconomic development.

Ecological Engineering

In board level reliability, solder joint reliability is a primary issue.

Microelectronics Reliability

Therefore, you need to continue to make the lack of scientific certainty a primary issue in the debate.

The Guardian

("For us, women are not a primary issue, like homosexuals," he says. "But they are a Biblical issue. Men lead").

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and formal writing, "a primary issue" is suitable for introducing the main subject of analysis or debate. Be clear about why the issue is primary and how it relates to other concerns.

Common error

Avoid labeling a problem as "a primary issue" if it's only marginally more important than others. Make sure the issue genuinely stands out as the most significant before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary issue" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the main subject of discussion. As suggested by Ludwig, it highlights the principal problem or concern within a given context. It helps to establish the focus of an argument or analysis, as seen in examples discussing topics from construction to politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

55%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary issue" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to identify the most important problem or concern in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to emphasize the significance of a specific topic, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal discussions. While versatile, it's important to ensure the issue truly warrants such emphasis and to consider using synonyms like "a central concern" or "a key problem" for variety. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central concern

Focuses on the importance of the issue, emphasizing its centrality.

a key problem

Highlights the problematic nature of the issue, framing it as a challenge.

a major challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and scope of the issue.

a significant matter

Underscores the importance and weight of the issue under consideration.

a crucial point

Highlights the importance of the issue as a necessary element.

a foremost priority

Indicates that the issue is of the highest importance and deserves immediate attention.

a pressing concern

Suggests that the issue is urgent and requires immediate action.

a critical factor

Emphasizes the importance of the issue as a decisive element.

a dominant theme

Highlights the issue as a recurring and influential element.

a central question

Frames the issue as a key inquiry needing resolution.

FAQs

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

Use "a primary issue" to introduce the main problem or concern in a discussion. For example: "A primary issue is the lack of funding for education."

What are some alternatives to "a primary issue"?

You can use alternatives such as "a central concern", "a key problem", or "a major challenge" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a primary issue" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers and professional reports. However, ensure that it accurately reflects the most important concern being addressed.

How do I determine if something qualifies as "a primary issue"?

Consider whether the issue significantly impacts the overall situation and if addressing it would lead to substantial improvements. If it is overshadowed by other considerations, it may not be the "primary issue".