are an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is problematic or causes concern. Example: "The rising costs of living are an issue that many families are facing today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sometimes finances are an issue.

The New York Times - Science

Rents, too, are an issue.

The Guardian

Loading times are an issue too.

The Guardian - Tech

Ms. Noem's 20 speeding tickets are an issue.

The New York Times

If parents are an issue at home, negotiate with them.

The Guardian

He added that cuts in personnel are an issue.

The New York Times

Indeed, tiny percentages say those are an issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Rewards in the voluntary sector are an issue.

The Guardian

'Rising sea levels are an issue,' he explains.

The Guardian - Money

Concerns about privacy in cyberspace are an issue of international debate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Armholes are an issue," Fasanella told me, by way of example.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are an issue", ensure the context clearly defines what the issue is and why it is significant. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "are an issue" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "pose a problem" or "present a challenge" to enhance readability and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are an issue" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular subject or topic presents a problem or is a matter of concern. Ludwig shows its widespread use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are an issue" is a versatile expression used to denote a problem or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse fields, including news, science, and general discourse. While straightforward, it's essential to ensure clarity in specifying what exactly "are an issue" to avoid ambiguity. Varying your language with alternatives like "pose a problem" or "present a challenge" can enrich your writing. Understanding the nuances of "are an issue" allows for more effective communication in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a problem

Changes the verb to "pose" and uses the noun "problem" instead of "issue".

are a concern

Substitutes "issue" with "concern", highlighting the worrying aspect of the matter.

cause problems

A more direct way of saying something is creating difficulties.

present a challenge

Replaces "issue" with "challenge", suggesting a difficulty that needs to be overcome.

raise concerns

Focuses on the action of "raising" concerns, implying that the issue is bringing attention to potential problems.

are problematic

Uses the adjective "problematic" to describe the issue.

give rise to difficulties

Emphasizes the creation of "difficulties" as a result of the issue.

are a source of difficulty

Emphasizes the role of the issue as a cause of hardship or trouble.

create complications

Highlights the complexity introduced by the issue.

are a matter of debate

Shifts the focus to the contentious nature of the issue, indicating that it is subject to discussion and disagreement.

FAQs

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

Use "are an issue" to point out a problem or something that causes concern. For example, "Rising costs "are an issue" for many families".

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

You can use phrases like "pose a problem", "present a challenge", or "are a concern" as alternatives.

Is it correct to say "is an issue" instead of "are an issue"?

"Is an issue" is used with singular subjects, while "are an issue" is for plural subjects. For example, "Climate change is an issue", but "Climate changes and pollution "are an issue"".

What's the difference between "are an issue" and "raise an issue"?

"Are an issue" describes something that is already a problem. "Raise an issue" means to bring a problem to someone's attention.