a social issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a social issue" is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to any matter of public concern that involves social, economic, or moral issues. For example, you might say "Racial inequality is a major social issue in America today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This isn't even a social issue.

The New York Times

It is a social issue".

The New Yorker

It's not about a social issue.

The New York Times

"Mostly a social issue, nothing to do overnight," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Name a social issue, the show takes it on.

The New Yorker

"But this is a social issue, not a legal one.

The New York Times

"For these voters, the war has become a social issue".

The New York Times - Magazine

But voting was not an economic issue or even a social issue.

The New Yorker

"I have never seen a social issue which has changed attitudes as rapidly as this one.

The Guardian

It might be a social issue, an environmental problem, health or education.

The Guardian

"That's our main revenue stream now, it's a business solution to contribute to a social issue".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a social issue", ensure that the context clearly defines which specific issue you are referring to. Providing details helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a social issue" as a vague substitute for specific problems. Instead of saying "Technology can help with a social issue", specify the issue, such as "Technology can help address digital inequality".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a social issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies a particular problem or matter of concern that affects a society or community, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a social issue" is a prevalent noun phrase used to identify a problem impacting society. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various sources. While generally neutral, context is key for conveying specific meaning. Consider alternatives like ""societal concern"" or ""community problem"" for enhanced precision. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and clarify which specific issue you're addressing for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A societal concern

Emphasizes the concern's widespread impact on society.

A question of social justice

Highlights the fairness and equality aspects.

A matter of public debate

Highlights the aspect of public discussion and disagreement.

A prevalent social ill

Emphasizes the negative and widespread nature of the issue.

A subject of social reform

Focuses on the need to improve society through systematic change.

A public policy challenge

Focuses on the need for government intervention and solutions.

A human rights concern

Frames the issue in terms of fundamental human rights.

A community problem

Narrows the scope to the local level, stressing the impact on specific communities.

A socioeconomic challenge

Highlights the connection to economic and social factors.

An ethical dilemma

Emphasizes the moral and ethical considerations involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a social issue" to introduce a problem that affects a community or society, such as, "Poverty is "a social issue" that requires comprehensive solutions".

What's a more specific way to refer to "a social issue"?

Instead of "a social issue", consider using more specific terms like "societal concern", "community problem", or "public policy challenge", depending on the particular context.

Is "a social issue" different from "a social problem"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "a social issue" can sometimes encompass broader societal matters including debates and policies, whereas "a social problem" typically emphasizes negative impacts. "A social problem" is more directly framed as a difficulty.

What are some examples of phrases related to "a social issue"?

Related phrases include "an ethical dilemma", "a question of social justice", and "a human rights concern". The best choice depends on the specific angle you want to emphasize.