broach this issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broach this issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce or bring up a topic for discussion, especially one that may be sensitive or difficult. Example: "During the meeting, I plan to broach this issue to ensure everyone is aware of the concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We broach this issue in the next section.

SEP

It makes sense that ministers would refute rape claims, but ACA didn't broach this issue.

Vice

As discussion continues about feedback relating to incidental findings discovered during medical research (particularly genomic analysis), the interface would provide a useful means to broach this issue with participants.

European Journal of Human Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Before broaching this issue with Hans, his manager must determine what she wants to accomplish with the conversation and plan accordingly.

Harvard Business Review

This broaches the issue of whether her decision was truly selfless or whether she feared going to the Olympics and failing, especially having replaced an injured gold-medal favorite.

The New York Times - Sports

They are not the normal words you hear out of the mouths of babes, but this intense conversation follows a jaunty game designed to help the children broach the issue.

Independent

Few politicians dare broach the issue of separating state from religion.

The Economist

Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md). was the first to broach the issue.

The Washington Post

And prominent Serbian athletes have also had to broach the issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Contrary to many reports, the court's ruling did not even broach the issue of passengers' privacy rights.

The Economist

One of Varma's aides escorted me into a sitting room and told me that I should not broach the issue of treasure with "His Highness".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broach this issue", be mindful of your audience and the potential sensitivity of the topic. Prepare your approach to ensure a respectful and productive conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "broach this issue" when a direct, forceful confrontation is intended. "Broach" suggests a delicate introduction, not an aggressive challenge. For a stronger approach, consider phrases like "confront this problem" or "address this head-on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broach this issue" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a topic, particularly one that may be sensitive or difficult to discuss. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broach this issue" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a potentially sensitive topic with care and consideration. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, its frequency is relatively rare. It is suitable for professional, news, and scientific contexts where tact is important. Related phrases such as "raise this issue" or "address this issue" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in formality and directness. When using "broach this issue", it’s important to prepare your approach and be mindful of your audience to ensure a respectful and productive conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise this issue

Focuses on bringing the issue to attention, without necessarily implying sensitivity.

address this issue

Suggests a more direct and problem-solving approach to the issue.

bring up this matter

Similar to "raise this issue", but can imply a more formal setting.

tackle this issue

Implies a determined effort to confront and resolve the issue.

discuss this issue

A more neutral term, simply indicating a conversation about the issue.

mention this issue

Suggests a brief or passing reference to the issue.

introduce this topic

Emphasizes the act of presenting the subject for the first time.

cover this point

Indicates a comprehensive examination of the subject.

delve into this subject

Suggests a deep and thorough exploration of the topic.

touch on this issue

Implies a brief and superficial examination of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "broach this issue" in a sentence?

You can use "broach this issue" when you want to introduce a sensitive topic for discussion. For example, "I need to "broach this issue" with my manager during our one-on-one meeting".

What can I say instead of "broach this issue"?

Alternatives include "raise this issue", "address this issue", or "bring up this matter", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "broach this issue"?

It's appropriate to use "broach this issue" when introducing a topic that may be sensitive, delicate, or potentially uncomfortable. It suggests a need for tact and care in the discussion.

Is "broach this issue" formal or informal?

"Broach this issue" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While usable in many contexts, more informal options like "bring this up" might be preferred in casual settings.