a real issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is a pressing matter or a problem that needs to be addressed. For example: "Climate change is a real issue and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a real issue here.

Independent

"And there is a real issue".

The New York Times

It is a real issue.

The Guardian

Retribution is a real issue.

The Guardian

This is a real issue.

The New York Times

"It's becoming a real issue".

The New York Times

Internet advertising is a real issue.

Cornell University

"That is a real issue," he says.

Princeton University

Fat-shaming is a real issue.

The New York Times - Books

But there's a real issue with this.

The Guardian

But net neutrality is a real issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a real issue", be specific about the nature of the issue. Instead of simply stating that something is "a real issue", explain why it is significant and what consequences it may have.

Common error

Avoid using "a real issue" as a generic filler phrase. Always provide context and details to make the statement meaningful and impactful. For instance, instead of saying "Technology is a real issue", specify "Data security is a real issue for businesses relying on cloud storage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and characterizes a significant problem or concern. It is often used to emphasize the importance and validity of the issue being discussed, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real issue" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the significance of a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in academic discussions. While versatile, it's best practice to provide specific context when using this phrase to avoid vagueness and maximize impact. Alternatives like ""a serious concern"" or ""a genuine problem"" can add nuance, but "a real issue" remains a straightforward and effective way to highlight a significant matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine problem

Emphasizes the authenticity and seriousness of the problem.

a serious concern

Highlights the gravity and potential negative consequences of the issue.

a legitimate matter

Indicates that the issue is valid and worth addressing.

a pressing problem

Focuses on the urgency and need for immediate attention to the issue.

a significant challenge

Highlights the difficulty and importance of overcoming the issue.

a critical matter

Emphasizes the crucial nature and potential impact of the issue.

a true difficulty

Indicates that the issue represents a genuine obstacle or hardship.

a substantive question

Implies that the issue involves important and meaningful considerations.

a noteworthy predicament

Highlights the unfortunate and remarkable nature of the issue.

an actual dilemma

Stresses that the problem presents a genuine choice between difficult options.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a real issue" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a real issue", provide context and explain the significance of the problem. For instance, "Climate change is "a real issue" impacting global food security" is more informative than simply stating, "Climate change is "a real issue"".

What phrases can I use instead of "a real issue" to convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives to "a real issue" include "a serious concern", "a genuine problem", or "a significant challenge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a real issue" or should I use a different phrasing?

The phrase ""a real issue"" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. It's a standard way to express that something is a significant problem or concern.

What's the difference between ""a real issue"" and "a potential problem"?

"A real issue" implies that the problem is already existing or demonstrably present, whereas "a potential problem" suggests a problem that may occur in the future but is not currently happening.