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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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but the issue

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting point or to highlight a problem in a discussion or argument. Example: "The project has many benefits, but the issue of funding remains unresolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the issue is moving.

News & Media

The New York Times

But the issue still resonates.

News & Media

The New York Times

But the issue is nuanced.

News & Media

The Economist

But the issue goes deeper.

News & Media

The Economist

But the issue remains hot.

News & Media

The New York Times

But the issue is complex.

News & Media

The New York Times

But the issue will remain.

News & Media

The Economist

But the issue will not go away.

News & Media

The Economist

But the issue was soon played down.

News & Media

The Economist

But the issue is not yet decided.

News & Media

The Economist

But the issue does flare up occasionally.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but the issue", ensure that the preceding context is clear so that the contrast is easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "but the issue" in a single piece of writing. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but the issue" functions as a transitional phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas. It introduces a problem, challenge, or point of contention that needs to be addressed. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to highlight a significant point that needs attention after presenting an initial statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but the issue" is a commonly used transitional phrase that introduces a contrasting point, problem, or challenge. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts. It serves to redirect focus and highlight aspects needing further consideration. Its frequency across news media, academic writing, and formal business communication underscores its versatility and widespread acceptance. Alternatives such as "however the problem" and "yet the concern" can be used to vary writing style, although "but the issue" remains a reliable choice for clearly signaling a shift to a potentially problematic aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "but the issue" in a sentence?

Use "but the issue" to introduce a problem or challenge that contrasts with a previous statement. For example, "The plan seems promising, but the issue of funding remains a concern."

What are some alternatives to "but the issue"?

You can use alternatives like "however the problem", "yet the concern", or "on the other hand the matter" depending on the context.

Is "but the issue" formal or informal?

"But the issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase in various types of writing and conversation.

What is the difference between "but the issue" and "but the problem"?

While "but the issue" and "but the problem" are often interchangeable, "but the issue" can sometimes refer to a broader concern that may not necessarily be a "problem" in the strictest sense. "But the problem" is typically used for more specific, concrete issues.

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: