an issue that surfaces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an issue that surfaces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem or concern that becomes apparent or noticeable over time. Example: "During the meeting, an issue that surfaces was the lack of communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's an an issue that surfaced in the early days of the Rooms.

Vice

So Cooper and Dan Henson, the CEO of GE Capital, Americas (and a former corporate CMO), set up a weekly "war room" in which the division's senior leaders would look at key metrics margins, pricing, customer pipelines, and so on of its different businesses and take quick action to address any issues that surfaced.

Harvard Business Review

Simple also says it invited customers with the most complex accounts to move earlier so that it could work through any issues that surfaced.

TechCrunch

Anderson energized the Rams' rushing attack after Brown suffered a season-ending collarbone injury against the Lions, and Gurley dealt with a knee issue that surfaced the next week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Los Angeles Times

The board of the Metrolink commuter railroad on Friday will consider spending $1.5 million to repair flawed parts on 57 passenger cars — a move that could resolve a critical safety issue that surfaced after a Metrolink train derailed near Oxnard last year, killing the engineer and injuring 34 people.

Los Angeles Times

And if there was one issue that surfaced again and again -- fear of the "other" -- there was also one solution that surfaced again and again: create opportunities for people to come to know each other in their every day lives, not as "others" but as fellow human beings, as citizens of the Earth.

Huffington Post

There is no limit on how long U.S. forces would remain, an issue that could surface during the Afghan deliberations.

The Washington Post

But the known facts in this case are already enough to revive an issue that has surfaced with disturbing regularity in recent years.

The New York Times

Mr. Cook's appearance at a facility where Apple devices are made was an illustration of how differently Apple's new chief relates to an issue that first surfaced under his predecessor, Steven P. Jobs.

The New York Times - Tech

In a major precedent that appeared likely to greatly ease extradition of Britain's terrorism suspects, an issue that has surfaced repeatedly over the last decade, the court ruled that the human rights of the defendants would not be violated by their prospective captivity in a maximum security American prison.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an issue that surfaces" when you want to describe a problem or concern that becomes apparent or noticeable, especially after being hidden or not immediately obvious. It suggests a gradual revelation of something previously unseen.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice when using "an issue that surfaces". While grammatically correct, overusing passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Instead, try rephrasing the sentence to highlight the active agent involved, making the sentence more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an issue that surfaces" functions as a relative clause, where "that surfaces" modifies "an issue". It identifies a specific issue characterized by its emergence or becoming apparent. Ludwig indicates this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an issue that surfaces" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a problem or concern that becomes apparent, often after a period of being hidden or not immediately obvious. Ludwig confirms its acceptability. While its frequency is rare, it finds common usage in news media and academic contexts. The phrase implies a gradual revelation, making it useful in situations where the emergence of an issue needs to be highlighted. Consider alternative phrases like "a problem that arises" or "a matter that emerges" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem that arises

Focuses on the occurrence of a problem.

a matter that emerges

Emphasizes the gradual appearance of a matter.

a concern that comes to light

Highlights the revelation of a concern.

a difficulty that presents itself

Stresses the way a difficulty makes itself known.

a question that is raised

Focuses on the act of bringing up a question.

an item that comes up

Implies the introduction of an item for discussion.

a subject that surfaces

Replaces issue with a more general term, subject.

a point that arises

Highlights a specific point or detail that becomes apparent.

a challenge that emerges

Emphasizes the gradual appearance of a challenge.

a topic that is brought up

Focuses on the act of introducing a topic.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an issue that surfaces" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "a problem that arises", "a matter that emerges", or "a concern that comes to light" depending on the specific context. Each of these alternatives emphasizes the emergence of the issue in a slightly different way.

What is the difference between "an issue that surfaces" and "a problem that arises"?

While both phrases are similar, "an issue that surfaces" implies something previously hidden or not immediately obvious becoming apparent. "A problem that arises" simply suggests that a problem occurs, without necessarily implying it was previously concealed.

Is it appropriate to use "an issue that surfaces" in academic writing?

Yes, "an issue that surfaces" is appropriate for academic writing, particularly when discussing problems or concerns that have become noticeable over time. However, ensure that your writing maintains a formal and objective tone throughout.

What are some contexts where "an issue that surfaces" is commonly used?

"An issue that surfaces" is often used in contexts such as project management, political discussions, and personal relationships to describe problems or concerns that become apparent and need to be addressed. It is generally applicable in situations where something was not initially obvious or was previously submerged.