a stubborn issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stubborn issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem or situation that is difficult to resolve or change, often persisting despite efforts to address it. Example: "The debate over climate change remains a stubborn issue that politicians struggle to tackle effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The United Kingdom also has a food waste problem, and despite government efforts, food waste remains a stubborn issue throughout Britain.

The Guardian

Lingering Fury Term limits remains a stubborn issue for Ms. Quinn: as she trails Public Advocate Bill de Blasio in a Democratic mayoral primary that she once dominated, her handling of it five years ago is her biggest political liability.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As with any stubborn issue, there are many inter-connected causes.

HuffPost

Should you figure out a way around this unwelcome publicity, you face a still more stubborn issue.

Forbes

But all the attention keeps coming back to same, single, stubborn issue: the state flag.

The New York Times

These goals contrasted with the more contentious concerns that Washington wanted to address, especially the tensions with North Korea, growing trade problems and the stubborn issue of human rights.

The New York Times

Between Memory and Desire: The Middle East in a Troubled Age, by R. Stephen Humpreys (University of California, $17.95), explores the many stubborn issues facing a region whose most serious challenges, he says, lie less in economics than in perceptions, habits and attitudes.

The New York Times - Books

It is a necessary and noble ambition to begin to draw resources together in a common effort to find best practices for addressing stubborn issues, and to better fund and expand those efforts.

The New York Times

But campaigners said the findings were indicative of "longstanding and stubborn issues around access to primary care".

The Guardian

Bolivia has also made strides in women's participation in government over recent years, but gender discrimination and harassment remain stubborn issues.

Columbia University

He fixed a stubborn electrical outlet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stubborn issue", ensure the context clearly indicates why the issue is difficult to resolve. Provide specific examples or reasons to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a stubborn issue" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify the underlying reasons for the issue's persistence. For example, instead of just saying "Poverty is a stubborn issue", elaborate on the systemic factors that make it so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stubborn issue" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "stubborn" modifies the noun "issue". This construction typically serves to characterize a problem or matter as being particularly resistant to resolution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stubborn issue" is a phrase used to describe a problem or challenge that resists easy solutions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. While not the most frequent expression, it effectively conveys the difficulty and persistence of a problem, making it a valuable addition to a writer's vocabulary. Alternatives such as "a persistent problem" or "a challenging obstacle" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent problem

Focuses on the continuing nature of the problem.

a challenging obstacle

Emphasizes the difficulty in overcoming the issue.

an intractable matter

Highlights the difficulty in managing or solving the issue.

a thorny question

Suggests a complex and potentially controversial issue.

a difficult predicament

Focuses on the troublesome nature of the situation.

a lingering concern

Stresses the continuing worry associated with the issue.

a recurring difficulty

Highlights the repetitive nature of the problem.

a vexing situation

Emphasizes the annoying and frustrating aspect of the issue.

a deep-seated problem

Suggests that the problem is fundamental and difficult to eradicate.

a resistant challenge

Highlights that the challenge is not easily overcome.

FAQs

What does "a stubborn issue" mean?

The phrase "a stubborn issue" refers to a problem or challenge that is difficult to resolve or change, often persisting despite efforts to address it. It implies a resistance to solutions.

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

You can use "a stubborn issue" to describe any problem that is proving difficult to overcome. For example: "Climate change remains "a stubborn issue" for policymakers worldwide."

What are some alternatives to saying "a stubborn issue"?

Alternatives to "a stubborn issue" include "a persistent problem", "a challenging obstacle", or "an intractable matter". These phrases convey a similar sense of difficulty and resistance to solutions.

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

Yes, "a stubborn issue" is appropriate for formal writing, including academic papers, reports, and business documents. It is a clear and professional way to describe a difficult problem.