an issue of policy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an issue of policy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing matters related to rules, regulations, or guidelines that govern actions or decisions within an organization or government. Example: "The committee is currently debating an issue of policy regarding employee benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It's not just an issue of policy.

The New York Times - Arts

Our fight is not just an issue of policy, but one of principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here we are, the government with its most serious test, its majority at risk, the first cabinet resignation over an issue of policy.

The Guardian

12.46pm: Aaron Porter of the NUS has written about the tuition fees vote for Comment is free here: Our fight is not just an issue of policy, but one of principle.

The Guardian

Noting the high stakes of the charged debate in the packed chamber, Mr. Blair said, "Here we are: the government with its most serious test, its majority at risk, the first cabinet resignation over an issue of policy, the main parties divided".

The New York Times

"This is an issue of policy, of accountability and of culture inside of departments".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Specifically, investigations should focus on how PI, as a public health issue, "translates" into an issue of policy-making, in other words how it is defined, viewed and solved as a policy problem.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Basic sanitation is not conceptualized as an issue of health policy, it is not explicitly on the government's health policy agenda, neither is health used as an argument to improve it in other sectors.

Health Research Policy and Systems

It's more than just an issue of AFP policy.

The Guardian

"It's an issue of public policy that should be decided by the voters".

The New York Times

My paper just teed it up as an issue of social policy that Congress might consider.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an issue of policy" when you want to emphasize that a problem or decision is related to established rules, regulations, or guidelines. This framing can help clarify the scope and nature of the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "an issue of policy" when you are simply expressing a personal preference or belief. This phrase should be reserved for situations directly governed by formal rules or guidelines, not subjective viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an issue of policy" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that a specific rule, regulation, or guideline is being considered or debated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an issue of policy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote that a particular matter is related to established rules or guidelines. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While it is not extremely common, it is a useful term to frame discussions within the context of rules and regulations. When considering alternatives, "a matter of policy" and "a question of policy" are semantically similar, but "an issue of policy" specifically highlights that the discussion centers on an active problem within existing guidelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A matter of policy

Replaces "issue" with "matter", focusing on the subject under discussion.

A question of policy

Substitutes "issue" with "question", highlighting the debatable aspect.

A policy concern

Rephrases the expression to emphasize the element of concern related to policy.

A policy matter

Similar to "a matter of policy" but uses slightly different wording.

A policy problem

Focuses on the problematic or challenging aspect of the policy.

A subject of policy

Highlights the theme of the policy in a specific domain.

A facet of policy

Presents the policy as one of many features of a bigger subject.

A dimension of policy

Frames the policy as a part of a multidimensional subject.

A component of policy

Breaks down policy and presents one of its basic constituents.

A core policy consideration

Emphasizes the fact that policy needs consideration for its core principles.

FAQs

How can I use "an issue of policy" in a sentence?

You can use "an issue of policy" to refer to a specific rule, regulation, or guideline that is under discussion or scrutiny. For example, "The committee is reviewing "an issue of policy" regarding employee leave."

What is a good substitute for "an issue of policy"?

Alternatives include "a matter of policy", "a question of policy", or "a policy concern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "issue of policy" or "matter of policy"?

Both "issue of policy" and "matter of policy" are correct and often interchangeable. "Issue" implies a problem or point of discussion, while "matter" suggests a topic or subject under consideration. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

What distinguishes "an issue of policy" from "an issue of principle"?

"An issue of policy" relates to established rules or guidelines, whereas "an issue of principle" concerns fundamental moral or ethical beliefs. A policy issue is about what should be done according to the rules, while a principle issue is about what is right or wrong.