an issue surfaces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an issue surfaces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a problem or concern that becomes apparent or noticeable in a situation. Example: "During the meeting, an issue surfaces regarding the project's timeline that needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When an issue surfaces that requires cross-functional coordination, the protocol is first to write a report that presents the diagnosis of the problem, key information, and recommendations, and then to distribute this document to the concerned parties.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the start of FSGP, an issue surfaced for MIT SEVT: the tires on their vehicle were being burned through.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Meanwhile, there's an issue surfacing that's far more serious than the sale of Alaska's jet.

Huffington Post

I do not suggest that a constitutional issue surfaces directly in this case.

Cornell University

In case a particular issue surfaces at various locations, it can be pursued at regional and even the national level.

Huffington Post

There's keen speculation, whenever a stinky press issue surfaces, examining what a tougher regulation regime might bring.

The Guardian

The issue surfaces as a priority every few years only after a series of tragic accidents.

Los Angeles Times

A third issue surfaced, too: Abramson was pushing to hire a deputy managing editor to oversee the digital side of the Times.

The New Yorker

The committee reports in January and on this showing the government will not be spared the lash - and with a parallel issue surfacing in Northern Ireland, there could be major implications to their conclusions there.

BBC

He has (once more) brought to public attention an issue that surfaces from time to time, is subject to a few predictable pieties and is then effaced by more urgent media concerns.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this connection, an issue of surface structure after these treatments becomes a task of primary importance taking into account a possible effect of Si surface atomic-scale roughness on formation of nanostructured elements (e. g., self-assembled Ge quantum dot nucleation on wetting layer in Ge/Si 001) heterostructures [20, 32, 54, 55]).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an issue surfaces" when you want to emphasize that a problem or topic is becoming noticeable or is being brought to attention, especially after being hidden or not previously acknowledged.

Common error

While acceptable, "an issue surfaces" can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "a problem arises" or "a matter emerges" in professional writing. Choose the phrasing that best suits your audience and the overall tone of your document.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an issue surfaces" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the appearance or manifestation of a problem or concern. It describes the act of a previously hidden or latent issue becoming apparent. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an issue surfaces" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the appearance or manifestation of a problem or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it is suitable in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, it is important to choose the appropriate register, as more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. The phrase effectively conveys that a previously hidden or latent issue is now becoming apparent and requires attention. Alternatives like "a problem arises" or "a matter comes up" offer similar meanings, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem arises

Focuses on the commencement of a problem, differing from the surfacing of a pre-existing issue.

a matter comes up

Indicates the introduction of a subject for discussion or consideration.

a difficulty emerges

Highlights the appearance of a challenging situation.

a concern arises

Emphasizes the development of worry or unease regarding a situation.

a question is raised

Focuses on the act of posing an inquiry or bringing attention to a specific point.

a snag develops

Refers to the unforeseen emergence of a minor obstacle or complication.

a hitch occurs

Highlights a temporary impediment or malfunction that arises unexpectedly.

a challenge presents itself

Underscores the appearance of an obstacle requiring effort or skill to overcome.

a complication unfolds

Suggests the gradual revelation of a complex or intricate problem.

a discrepancy comes to light

Focuses on the revealing of an inconsistency or divergence from what is expected.

FAQs

How can I use "an issue surfaces" in a sentence?

You can use "an issue surfaces" to indicate that a problem or topic becomes apparent or noticeable. For example: "During the review, "an issue surfaces" regarding budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to "an issue surfaces"?

Alternatives include "a problem arises", "a matter comes up", or "a difficulty emerges", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "an issue surfaces" formal or informal?

The phrase "an issue surfaces" falls into a neutral register. While usable in professional settings, it may be suitable to consider using a more formal alternative for academic or very formal business documents. Examples of alternative phrases include "a problem arises".

What is the difference between "an issue surfaces" and "an issue emerges"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "surfaces" implies something previously hidden or less noticeable becoming apparent, whereas "emerges" suggests something new is coming into existence or prominence. They are interchangeable depending on context, but keep in mind the slight nuance.