at issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"at issue" is a perfectly acceptable term for written English.
It is used to describe a particular thing or topic which is being discussed, disputed, or considered. Example: The issue of climate change is at issue in the upcoming election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I choose "at issue" deliberately.

The New Yorker

At issue was love.

The New York Times

So what is at issue?

The New Yorker

Two rules are at issue.

The New York Times

Those aren't at issue anymore.

The New York Times

What is at issue is their price.

The Economist

What is at issue is his popularity.

The New York Times

Faith and identity seemed at issue.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Lewis's guilt is not at issue.

The New York Times

At issue are not "factions" but mishearings.

The New York Times

Art history isn't at issue here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at issue", ensure the context clearly identifies what specific aspect is being questioned or debated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at issue" when the subject is merely being mentioned, not debated or questioned. Use it only when there's a degree of uncertainty or disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at issue" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating the subject matter under discussion or dispute. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at issue" is a prepositional phrase used to pinpoint the specific subject or point of contention under discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what exactly is being questioned or debated. While it's versatile, remember it's best suited when there's an element of uncertainty or disagreement, not just a mere mention of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under discussion

This alternative focuses on the act of discussing something, omitting the sense of disagreement or uncertainty that "at issue" can imply.

in dispute

This alternative highlights the disagreement aspect, making it suitable when there's a clear conflict or controversy.

in question

This alternative emphasizes the uncertainty or doubt surrounding a topic, rather than its importance or relevance.

under consideration

This alternative focuses on the act of thinking carefully about something, which might be less urgent than something "at issue".

subject to debate

Similar to "being debated", this emphasizes the potential for argument or disagreement.

being debated

This alternative directly indicates a formal discussion or argument, suitable for situations involving structured debate.

the point of contention

This alternative specifies that there is a disagreement, which may not always be implied by "at issue".

the matter in hand

This alternative indicates the immediate topic requiring attention, which is slightly broader than focusing on a specific dispute.

the central question

This alternative emphasizes the core question, problem, or subject that needs to be resolved.

what is being examined

This alternative emphasizes the investigative nature of the situation, useful when assessing or scrutinizing a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "at issue" in a sentence?

Use "at issue" to indicate the specific point or subject that is being discussed or debated. For example, "The main problem "at issue" is funding for the project".

What's a simple way to explain what "at issue" means?

"At issue" means something is "under discussion" or being questioned. It highlights the key point to consider.

Is it always appropriate to use "at issue" when something is being discussed?

Not always. "At issue" implies there's some debate, disagreement, or uncertainty. If something is simply being mentioned, other phrases like "the topic" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "at issue" and "at stake"?

"At issue" refers to the point being debated or considered, while "at stake" refers to what could be gained or lost depending on the outcome.