be an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "be an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is causing difficulty or representing a problem. For example, "Money can be an issue when starting a new business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Enforcement may be an issue.

The New York Times

That could be an issue.

The New York Times

Would weather be an issue?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But price may be an issue.

The New York Times

"Carjacking began to be an issue.

The New York Times

Size thus ceases to be an issue.

The Economist

"It could be an issue," he volunteered.

The New York Times

That will be an issue for him".

Independent

Stigma continues to be an issue.

The New York Times

Staying warm can be an issue.

The New York Times

Conditioning will probably not be an issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be an issue" when you want to indicate a potential problem or difficulty that needs to be addressed. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts from formal reports to casual conversations.

Common error

While "be an issue" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "pose a challenge" or "present a problem" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be an issue" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying a subject as a potential or existing problem. Ludwig examples show it used to highlight concerns across diverse scenarios, from transportation to communication challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be an issue" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a potential or existing problem across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While it's a common expression, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in highly formal writing to enhance impact. Remember to use "an" before "issue" and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a problem

Focuses on the act of creating a problem rather than just being one.

present a challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and the need to overcome something.

cause difficulties

General term for creating problems or troubles.

create complications

Highlights the potential for making things more complex.

generate problems

Similar to "cause difficulties" but emphasizes the creation of issues.

raise concerns

Focuses on generating worry or apprehension.

be a hindrance

Indicates something that obstructs or delays progress.

be a stumbling block

Implies an obstacle that prevents progress or success.

be a snag

Suggests a minor or unexpected difficulty.

matter of concern

Emphasizes the importance and worry associated with the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "be an issue" to indicate a potential problem or difficulty, for example, "Cost could "be an issue" for the project".

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

You can use alternatives like "pose a problem", "present a challenge", or "raise concerns" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is an issue" or "is a issue"?

"Is an issue" is the correct form. The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "be an issue" and "cause a problem"?

"Be an issue" often suggests a potential or existing problem, while "cause a problem" implies directly creating a difficulty. The first may be more passive, while the second indicates active causation.