an issue has surfaced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an issue has surfaced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a problem or concern has come to light or been discovered. Example: "During the meeting, it became clear that an issue has surfaced regarding the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The second college media controversy of the summer centered on an orientation issue has surfaced at North Carolina State University.

Huffington Post

As US Congress continues to quack its way through the Super Committee quagmire, a seemingly non-germane offshore issue has surfaced vis-a-vis Iraq.

Huffington Post

The incident represents the second time a Dropbox security issue has surfaced publicly.

The New York Times

In the last few days a new objection to action on the China issue has surfaced: right-wing pressure groups, notably the influential Club for Growth, oppose tariffs on Chinese goods because, you guessed it, they're a form of taxation — and we must never, ever raise taxes under any circumstances.

The New York Times

This issue has surfaced in the antitrust investigation.

The New York Times

The issue has surfaced again because so many homeowners facing foreclosure are dealing with MERS.

The New York Times

The term-limits issue has surfaced in Mr. Yassky's campaign to become the city comptroller, an office that demands an appetite for taking on the mayor.

The New York Times

But the issue has surfaced yet again, as another and seemingly more intractable impasse between the White House and Republicans threatens a debt crisis.

The New York Times

"It's only when they rather conscientiously dusted it off and launched this rather impressive exhibition that the whole issue has surfaced again".

The New York Times - Arts

Now the same issue has surfaced in the case of the national police commissioner, Jackie Selebi, a senior figure in the party who is broadly asserted to be an Mbeki supporter.

The New York Times

"But that is politics!" He is disappointed that the issue has surfaced so little in the US election campaign so far – its sole appearance at that point was in a Democratic candidates' debate.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an issue has surfaced", clearly define the issue and provide context for why it is now being brought to attention.

Common error

Avoid using "an issue has surfaced" in very casual conversations; opt for simpler phrases like "a problem came up" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an issue has surfaced" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a problem or concern that has recently become apparent or noticeable. According to Ludwig, it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an issue has surfaced" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, indicating that a problem or concern has become apparent. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. While perfectly acceptable, consider the audience and setting; in more casual environments, simpler phrases like "a problem came up" might be more appropriate. This phrase effectively introduces a topic requiring attention or action, prompting further discussion or resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem has arisen

Replaces "issue" with "problem" and "surfaced" with "arisen", focusing on the emergence of a difficulty.

a concern has emerged

Substitutes "issue" with "concern" and "surfaced" with "emerged", highlighting the development of a worry.

a matter has come to light

Emphasizes the revealing or uncovering of a situation, using "come to light" instead of "surfaced".

a question has been raised

Focuses on the act of posing a question or bringing up a topic for discussion.

a difficulty has presented itself

Replaces "issue" with "difficulty" and uses a more formal tone to describe the appearance of a challenge.

a snag has cropped up

Uses the informal term "snag" for an unexpected problem and "cropped up" to indicate its sudden appearance.

an obstacle has materialized

Highlights the appearance of an impediment or barrier, using "materialized" instead of "surfaced".

a challenge has emerged

Similar to "a concern has emerged" but focuses on the aspect of a challenge needing to be overcome.

a complication has developed

Emphasizes the process of a problem unfolding or becoming more intricate.

a hitch has arisen

Synonymous to "a snag has cropped up", using "hitch" to refer to a temporary impediment and "arisen" for its appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "an issue has surfaced" in a sentence?

You can use "an issue has surfaced" to introduce a problem or concern that has recently become apparent. For example, "During the review, "an issue has surfaced" regarding data privacy".

What are some alternatives to saying "an issue has surfaced"?

Alternatives include "a problem has arisen", "a concern has emerged", or "a matter has come to light", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an issue has surfaced"?

Yes, "an issue has surfaced" is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal and professional contexts to indicate that a problem or concern has become apparent.

When is it appropriate to use "an issue has surfaced" versus "a problem arose"?

"An issue has surfaced" is generally more formal and suitable for professional or academic settings. "A problem arose" is more informal and appropriate for casual conversation.