a specific issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular problem or topic that requires attention or discussion. Example: "During the meeting, we need to address a specific issue that has been affecting our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many bring up a specific issue.

The Guardian

And he does not bring up a specific issue.

The Guardian

This is a specific issue with urban violence," Abt said.

The Guardian

I never supported that as a specific issue.

The Guardian

But this was a referendum on a specific issue.

The Guardian

But that is a specific issue we can deal with".

The Guardian

"By contributing to court cases, you can often have a real impact on a specific issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Name a specific issue where it looks like I have been marginalized," Mr. Powell said.

The New York Times

Chinese anger is not limited to a specific issue or location.

The Guardian

But Democrats had a specific issue that the centrists had enabled: the Iraq War.

The Economist

And yet his most controversial pronouncement was indeed about a specific issue: Iran's getting the bomb.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a specific issue" to introduce a topic that you plan to discuss in detail or propose a solution for. This clarifies the purpose of your communication from the outset.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific issue" as a vague placeholder. Always follow up with details or examples that clearly define the issue, or the reader will feel misled by your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It introduces a particular subject or problem that requires attention or discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific issue" is a commonly used noun phrase that introduces a particular topic or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, science, and business contexts. It is crucial to follow up with details to avoid ambiguity, ensuring your audience understands the exact nature of the issue. Alternatives like "a particular concern" or "a precise problem" can be used depending on the context. Remember to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular concern

Emphasizes the aspect of worry or interest connected to the issue.

a definite matter

Highlights the clarity and certainty of the issue at hand.

a precise problem

Focuses on the exactness and accuracy of the identified difficulty.

a concrete subject

Stresses the tangible and real nature of the topic.

a focused question

Indicates a narrowed and targeted inquiry.

a distinct aspect

Highlights that the issue is a notable part of a bigger whole.

a singular point

Focuses on the one-of-a-kind nature of the issue.

a discrete item

Suggests the issue is separate and distinguishable from others.

a targeted area

Emphasizes that the issue is within a selected or defined scope.

a limited scope

Focuses on the restricted or narrow nature of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific issue" to introduce a particular problem or subject that you intend to discuss further. For example, "A specific issue we need to address is the decline in customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "a specific issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular concern", "a definite matter", or "a precise problem" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a specific issue" and "a general issue"?

"A specific issue" refers to a particular problem or subject with defined characteristics, whereas "a general issue" refers to a broad topic or concern that lacks precise details or boundaries.

Is it always necessary to elaborate after mentioning "a specific issue"?

While not always mandatory, elaborating after mentioning "a specific issue" is highly recommended to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. Providing context ensures that your audience understands the exact nature of the issue you're referencing.