a timely issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a timely issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or problem that is relevant or important at the present time. Example: "The debate on climate change is a timely issue that requires immediate attention from policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A Times reader, Tom Bird, of East Lansing, Mich., raised a timely issue, given all that's happening in Washington.

The New York Times

The iVillage-related segments typically feature an iVillage expert giving advice or discussing a timely issue.

The New York Times

He found immediately that, put at ease by this kawaii character, people were willing to engage in conversation about a timely issue.

The Guardian

Finance is, of course, a timely issue, and so this paperback version comes replete with hastily added updates on the recession.

The Guardian - Books

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents an important health problem worldwide and the search for new therapeutic approaches for retarding CKD progression is a timely issue.

Pharmacological Research

Trump's presumptive nomination puts an increased premium on Toomey doing something big to distance himself from his party on a timely issue such as guns.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For the aviation industry, a timely issuing of airborne volcanic ash warnings is vital to avoid encounters between aircraft and ash clouds.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Given the current economy, Credit Sesame is a startup focused on a very timely issue: it helps consumers get out of debt.

TechCrunch

Even the button-down magazine The Economist joined the herd in reporting on what has become an undeniably timely issue, featuring a 2010 cover article heralding aging as a good thing, noting "although as people move towards old age they lose things they treasure-vitality, mental sharpness and looks-they also gain what people spend their lives pursuing: happiness".

Huffington Post

It's a particularly timely issue, given that the region is awaiting a judge's decision this week about whether fishing for salmon by Native residents is a religious activity that merits government protection.... Read the complete story and see photos from the rally only at Alaska Dispatch.

Huffington Post

Moving on to the PhD program in MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Macdonald resolved to find another, more readily applicable outlet for his interest in nuclear science, landing him in a lab that tackles an especially timely issue: how to ensure that countries with nuclear weapons abide by disarmament agreements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a timely issue" to introduce discussions about subjects that are particularly relevant or urgent in the current context. This helps to immediately establish the importance and relevance of the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "a timely issue" when the topic is not genuinely current or immediately relevant. Overusing it can diminish its impact and suggest a lack of awareness of the actual context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a timely issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "timely" modifies the noun "issue." According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to identify a subject or problem that is relevant or important at the present time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a timely issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a subject of current relevance, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's suitable for neutral contexts like news and media, but can also be used in academic or business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the topic is genuinely current and important to avoid diminishing its impact. For alternative phrasing, consider "a relevant concern" or "a pressing matter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A relevant concern

Focuses on the pertinence of the concern to the current situation.

A pressing matter

Emphasizes the urgency and need for immediate attention.

A topical subject

Highlights the subject's currency and popularity in discussion.

An opportune moment

Suggests that the timing is right to address a specific issue.

A critical point

Stresses the importance and potential consequences of the issue.

A current challenge

Frames the issue as a problem needing resolution in the present.

A pertinent question

Highlights the direct relevance of the question to the situation.

A significant development

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of a recent event.

A noteworthy event

Draws attention to the event's importance and memorability.

A consequential subject

Indicates that the subject has important ramifications.

FAQs

How to use "a timely issue" in a sentence?

Use "a timely issue" to introduce a subject or problem that is significant and relevant to the current situation. For example, "The rise of remote work is "a timely issue" for urban planning."

What can I say instead of "a timely issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a relevant concern", "a pressing matter", or "a topical subject" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very timely issue"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very timely issue" can be redundant since "timely" already implies relevance to the present moment. Consider using stronger, more specific adjectives if you want to emphasize the issue's urgency or importance.

What's the difference between "a timely issue" and "an important issue"?

"A timely issue" emphasizes the current relevance of the subject, while "an important issue" highlights its significance regardless of the current context. A topic can be important without necessarily being timely, and vice versa.