an issue which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an issue which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a specific problem or topic that requires discussion or resolution. Example: "The report highlighted an issue which needs immediate attention from the management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think it's an issue which is finished," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

This is an issue which affects many inner-London schools.

The Guardian

This is an issue which has been rumbling along for almost a decade.

Independent

"We're talking about an issue which really clears up the historical record," Leigh said.

The Guardian

Debt was an issue which became dominant when my business slowed.

The New York Times

It's an issue which is easy to blow up beyond its actual extent.

The Guardian - Books

This is an issue which should be solved now - not in August - not after an election".

The Guardian

Grammar schools, on the other hand, are an issue which really does divide them.

The Guardian

Bush says simply that people should "butt out" of an issue which only concerns South Carolinians.

The Guardian

This is an issue which neither side of politics has been willing to address honestly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fifth comes an issue which hasn't been discussed enough, and that's lobbying.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "an issue which" with simpler alternatives like "a problem that" or "a topic that" for more concise writing, especially in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "an issue which" in simple sentences where a more direct construction would suffice. For example, instead of "This is an issue which is important", write "This issue is important".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an issue which" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about a previously mentioned issue. Ludwig shows its use in adding detail or explanation to a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an issue which" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a relative clause that provides further information about a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in news, science, and formal business settings. While acceptable, it can sometimes be replaced with more concise alternatives like "a problem that" or "a topic that", depending on the context. Remember to use this phrase when you need to elaborate on an issue, ensuring clarity and focus in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem that

Replaces "issue" with "problem" and "which" with "that", offering a more direct synonym.

a matter that

Substitutes "issue" with "matter" and "which" with "that", providing a slightly more formal tone.

a topic that

Replaces "issue" with "topic" and "which" with "that", focusing on the subject of discussion.

a concern that

Substitutes "issue" with "concern" and "which" with "that", highlighting a point of worry or interest.

something that

Replaces "an issue" with the more general "something", broadening the scope of reference.

a point that

Substitutes "issue" with "point" and "which" with "that", emphasizing a specific detail or argument.

a subject that

Replaces "issue" with "subject" and "which" with "that", focusing on the area of study or discussion.

an area that

Replaces "issue" with "area" and "which" with "that", highlighting a specific field or domain.

a question that

Substitutes "issue" with "question" and "which" with "that", focusing on a matter needing resolution.

a challenge that

Replaces "issue" with "challenge" and "which" with "that", highlighting a difficulty to be overcome.

FAQs

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

Use "an issue which" to introduce a problem or topic that you will further describe or discuss. For example: "Climate change is "an issue which" requires global cooperation".

What can I say instead of "an issue which"?

You can use alternatives like "a problem that", "a matter that", or "a concern that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative slightly shifts the focus of the statement.

Which is correct, "an issue which" or "an issue that"?

Both "an issue which" and "an issue that" are grammatically correct. "Which" is generally used for nonrestrictive clauses, while "that" is used for restrictive clauses. However, in modern usage, "that" is often preferred in most contexts because it is more concise.

What's the difference between "an issue which" and "a problem that"?

While similar, ""an issue which"" is a more general term, while "a problem that" specifically implies a difficulty or challenge. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of the subject you are discussing.