a recurring issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a recurring issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever a situation or problem is continuous or reoccurring. For example, "Climate change has become a recurring issue in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Teacher absenteeism is a recurring issue in Kenyan schools.

The Guardian

Complex networks constitute a recurring issue in the analysis of neuroimaging data.

Journal of Neuroscience Methods

His mechanics have also been a recurring issue in his career.

The New York Times

Composure, or the lack of it, also remains a recurring issue.

The Guardian - Sport

And access to bathrooms and locker rooms has been a recurring issue.

The New York Times

Especially in the early years, Taser's connection to cardiac arrest was a recurring issue.

The New Yorker

"Drink is a recurring issue with me and it is something I continue to battle".

The Guardian - Music

A recurring issue in clinical tests for a new male pill has been uncomfortable side-effects.

The Guardian

The group had to waitlist about 50 students due to a lack of resources, a recurring issue for the group.

Yale University

And, no matter what, the Nationals want to ease Kendrick back so his hamstring isn't a recurring issue.

The Washington Post

As China has expanded its immunisation program over the past decade, substandard vaccines have been a recurring issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a recurring issue", ensure the context clearly establishes that the problem or topic has appeared multiple times. Avoid using it for the first instance of a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "a recurring issue" to describe a problem that has just arisen for the first time. The word 'recurring' implies that the issue has appeared previously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a recurring issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a problem or topic that appears repeatedly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a recurring issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a problem or topic that appears repeatedly. Ludwig's analysis demonstrates its versatility, fitting seamlessly into a range of writing styles and contexts, including news, scientific, and academic writing. While it's a valuable expression, ensure that the issue truly has occurred more than once, and consider alternatives like "persistent problem" or "ongoing problem" if they better capture the nuance you intend to convey. Remember Ludwig AI's insights that while "a recurring issue" is widely accepted, precision in language ensures your message resonates clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a constantly recurring matter

Emphasizes the unceasing return of the issue.

a persistent problem

Focuses on the continuous and ongoing nature of the problem.

an ongoing problem

Stresses that the problem is still in progress and unresolved.

a frequent concern

Highlights the worry or anxiety associated with the issue's recurrence.

a repeated difficulty

Highlights the repeated nature of the difficulty encountered.

a common challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and widespread nature of the issue.

a chronic problem

Implies that the problem is long-lasting and difficult to eradicate.

a familiar obstacle

Suggests that the obstacle is well-known and often encountered.

a regular source of trouble

Focuses on the issue as a consistent cause of difficulty or disruption.

a perpetually returning subject

Indicates the subject keeps coming back, often in discussions or considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a recurring issue" to describe a problem or topic that appears repeatedly. For example, "Teacher absenteeism is "a recurring issue" in Kenyan schools."

What are some alternatives to "a recurring issue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a persistent problem", "a frequent concern", or "an ongoing problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a recurring issue" is suitable for formal writing, as it's grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider whether a more precise or impactful phrase might be more effective in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "a recurring issue" and "a chronic problem"?

"A recurring issue" simply means that something happens repeatedly, while "a chronic problem" implies that the problem is long-lasting and difficult to resolve. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the repetition or the persistence of the problem.