a weighty issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weighty issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that is serious, significant, or has considerable importance or impact. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change is a weighty issue that requires urgent attention from policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's a weighty issue.

The Guardian - Sport

He believes that behind the textual controversy lurks a weighty issue bearing upon the state of democracy and spirituality in the European Union.

Columbia University

But the black-and-white morality that was appropriate to an all-out action movie is trickier in a film about such a weighty issue.

Independent

He also expressed concern about the prospect of the missing tapes ending up in hostile hands, and how the arcane data might affect global nuclear policy, a weighty issue for a trial that supposedly does not concern espionage.

The New York Times

The theory and practice of nuclear deterrence is a weighty issue, financial as well as military and moral, though not always treated as such by jingoists on both sides of the debate.

The Guardian

Still, some of his cute turns of phrase can be cloying: "Candy was dandy in the 1920s"; "by 1923, the emphasis on a woman's figure was becoming a weighty issue".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And best yet, he justifies his appropriate, if buttoned-down, disdain for award insanity by attaching it to a very weighty issue that Ben Bernanke is currently wrestling with: What's the role of the central bank in a media- and information-saturated society?

Huffington Post

These are all weighty issues, far outweighing a fluffy confectionary concoction.

Huffington Post

Yesterday, the son of former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and convert to Catholicism was toying with a somewhat less weighty issue: how to balance his modest black-garbed life as a Jesuit scholar with the red-decked ceremony of his new role as a cardinal.

The New York Times

Taxes and schools are all weighty issues and worthy priorities for a new administration.

The New York Times

Clearly these are all weighty issues.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a weighty issue" to introduce topics that demand careful consideration and have substantial implications. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing or when addressing complex subjects.

Common error

While "a weighty issue" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a big deal" or "something important" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weighty issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "weighty" modifies "issue". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and effectively conveys the significance or seriousness of a particular matter.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weighty issue" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for describing matters of considerable importance. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to be mindful of the context. While very appropriate in news reports, academic papers, and other professional settings, it might come off as unnecessarily formal in more casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "a significant issue" or "a serious problem" to adjust the tone as needed. Using "a weighty issue" effectively can lend gravitas to your writing and clearly signal the significance of the topic at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A significant issue

Replaces "weighty" with "significant", focusing on the importance of the issue.

A serious problem

Substitutes "issue" with "problem", suggesting a negative or challenging situation.

An important matter

Uses "matter" instead of "issue", offering a more general term for something under consideration.

A crucial concern

Replaces "issue" with "concern", highlighting the anxiety or worry associated with the matter.

A grave situation

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential danger of the issue.

A consequential topic

Focuses on the far-reaching effects or results of the issue.

A pressing question

Highlights the urgency and need for resolution of the issue.

A considerable challenge

Replaces "issue" with "challenge", framing it as an obstacle to overcome.

A substantial matter

Uses "substantial" to emphasize the considerable size or importance of the issue.

A far-reaching implication

Shifts the focus to the long-term effects or consequences of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weighty issue" to describe a subject or problem that is serious, important, and requires careful thought. For example, "The ethical implications of artificial intelligence are "a weighty issue" for society to consider".

What are some alternatives to "a weighty issue"?

Alternatives to "a weighty issue" include "a significant issue", "a serious problem", or "an important matter". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a weighty issue" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "a weighty issue" isn't incorrect in everyday conversation, it can sound somewhat formal. In more casual settings, consider using phrases like "a big deal" or "something important".

What makes an issue "weighty"?

An issue is considered "weighty" when it has significant consequences, requires careful consideration, and involves complex factors. It's not merely a trivial or superficial concern.