an issue of proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an issue of proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing matters related to balance, scale, or relative sizes in various contexts, such as art, design, or social issues. Example: "The debate surrounding the budget cuts is fundamentally an issue of proportion, as we must consider how resources are allocated across different departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

John Fremer, the president of Caveon, said the findings did not indicate an issue of unusual proportions.

The New York Times

Inflation "is not an issue of big proportions that the Argentine population is criticizing," he said in a radio interview.

The New York Times

"It could be an issue of constitutional proportions".

Los Angeles Times

Subsequently, isolating this small number of cells and expanding them to clinically relevant numbers is an issue of significant proportions.

British Journal of Cancer

This becomes an issue of concern when proportion of parity in a "not stated" category is over 2%% for all women in the reproductive lifespan.

Genus

In 1999, in initiating the formation of the Global Road Safety Partnership, James Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, said that 'road safety is an issue of immense human proportions.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

It can be anticipated that this will be an issue of much smaller proportions with endogenous RTEs, as they are obligatorily intracellular.

BioEssays

In addition to the overall number of CNVs detected by the Affymetrix arrays being an issue, the proportion of de novo VOUS was also a concern, especially considering the fact that most of them were not confirmed on another array.

BMC Medical Genomics

Coupled with a process that repeats itself year after year basically forever, we have an environmental issue of monolithic proportion.

Huffington Post

I found these books quite interesting, for in some places you can decipher Jones's thoughts on issues of proportion, measurement and line.

The New York Times

While the ads don't directly mention it, the magazine is relying on an "involvement index," which it created from third-party research about an audience's loyalty, time spent with an issue and the proportion of published issues actually read.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an issue of proportion", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared and why the relative size or scale matters. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the point being made.

Common error

Avoid using "an issue of proportion" when the core problem isn't about relative size or scale. If the problem is about fundamental correctness or ethical considerations, other phrases will be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an issue of proportion" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying a problem or consideration related to comparative size, scale, or balance. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an issue of proportion" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote that a problem arises from imbalances in size, scale, or equilibrium. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, real-world examples are limited, resulting in a "Missing" frequency rating. The phrase is suitable for a neutral register and primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying problems rooted in comparative aspects. Related phrases include "a matter of scale" and "a question of balance", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. To ensure clarity, contextualize usages with explicit comparisons. Avoid deploying this phrase when the core issue is correctness rather than relative dimension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of scale

Replaces "issue" with "matter" and "proportion" with "scale", focusing on the relative size or extent.

a question of balance

Emphasizes the need for equilibrium rather than relative size.

a matter of magnitude

Highlights the importance of size or extent, similar to "proportion".

a problem of scope

Focuses on the breadth or range of the issue.

a challenge of extent

Highlights the difficulty related to the size or reach of something.

a question of relative importance

Shifts the focus to the comparative significance of the matter.

a matter of comparative size

Emphasizes the relative dimensions or magnitude involved.

an instance of unbalanced consideration

Highlights a lack of fairness or equity in how something is being assessed.

a disparity in magnitude

Points to a significant difference in size or importance.

a discrepancy in scale

Indicates an inconsistency or difference in the size or extent of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "an issue of proportion" when discussing whether something is appropriately balanced or scaled. For example, "The funding distribution among departments became "an issue of proportion" when one department received significantly more resources than others." In this case, an imbalance becomes a key focus.

What phrases can I use instead of "an issue of proportion"?

Alternatives include "a matter of scale", "a question of balance", or "a problem of scope". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize relative size, equilibrium, or overall breadth.

Is it correct to say "a issue of proportion" instead of "an issue of proportion"?

No, the correct form is "an issue of proportion". The indefinite article "an" should be used before words that begin with a vowel sound, such as "issue".

What's the difference between "an issue of proportion" and "a matter of importance"?

"An issue of proportion" focuses on the relative size, scale, or balance of something. "A matter of importance", in contrast, highlights the significance or relevance of something, regardless of its size or scale. Therefore, it is about the gravity of the issue, not its scale.