a public issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a public issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or concern that affects the general public or society as a whole. Example: "The debate over climate change has become a significant public issue that demands immediate attention from policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But he concedes that disappearances becoming a public issue "could certainly be seen as a positive".

The Economist

As a result it seemed to fade as a public issue.

The New York Times - Health

"We have private troubles all the time, but now it's become a public issue".

The New York Times

It's a health issue, maybe a criminal issue, and certainly a public issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Wherever he goes to church is going to be a public issue".

The New York Times

The involvement of government subsidies provides the hook one needs to turn this into a public issue.

The Economist

The News Corporation is thought to be considering a public issue for its STAR satellite television operations in India.

The New York Times

In lying, the newspaper said, it was Lord Browne who had made his private life a public issue.

The Guardian - Business

Yet, as a doping suspect, it forced him to make his illness, so utterly personal, a public issue within days.

The Guardian - Sport

Not all people will develop a particular attitude about a public issue; some may not be interested, and others simply may not hear about it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And the best small sign of all is always when we hear the plain truth about a public issue being plainly spoken.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a public issue", ensure the context clearly defines which segment of the public is affected or concerned. Providing specific examples helps to clarify the scope and relevance of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a public issue" to describe problems that are actually limited to a small group or specific situation. Ensure that the issue has a broad impact or relevance to warrant being labeled as "a public issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a public issue" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying a subject of broad societal importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a public issue" is a frequently used phrase that denotes a concern affecting a significant portion of the population. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in diverse contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure the issue genuinely warrants being categorized as such, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives include "a matter of public concern" or "a societal problem", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of public concern

Replaces "issue" with "matter of concern", emphasizing the worry or interest it generates among the public.

a question of public interest

Substitutes "issue" with "question of interest", highlighting that it's a topic the public is actively pondering.

a societal problem

Replaces "public issue" with "societal problem", focusing on the problematic nature of the issue within society.

a community concern

Narrows the scope from "public" to "community", suggesting a more localized impact or relevance.

a subject of national debate

Emphasizes the aspect of discussion and disagreement, framing it as a matter debated at the national level.

a matter for public debate

It refers to an issue which is suitable for being discussed by the public, often involving various opinions and perspectives.

a topic of public discourse

Focuses on the communicative aspect, referring to conversations and discussions within the public sphere.

an item on the public agenda

Highlights the importance and priority of the issue, placing it among the matters that need to be addressed by public entities.

a widely discussed subject

Emphasizes the popularity and breadth of discussion around the issue, suggesting it's a prevalent topic.

a broadly recognized challenge

Framing the issue as a "challenge" that is widely recognized, focusing on its difficulty and the need for solutions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a public issue" to describe something that affects a large portion of the population and is of concern to them. For instance, "Healthcare reform has become "a public issue" due to rising costs and accessibility concerns."

What's the difference between "a public issue" and "a private matter"?

"A public issue" concerns the community or society at large, while "a private matter" is limited to an individual or small group. An example of "a private matter" might be a personal health concern, unless it has implications for public health.

What can I say instead of "a public issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a matter of public concern", "a societal problem", or "a community concern depending on the context.

When does a personal problem become "a public issue"?

A personal problem becomes "a public issue" when it affects a significant number of people or has broader societal implications. For example, unemployment is a personal problem for those affected, but it becomes "a public issue" when it reaches a certain level and impacts the economy.