critical issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a problem or situation that is very important and needs immediate attention. For example, "Providing access to clean drinking water is a critical issue in many parts of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One critical issue remains enforcing any agreement.

The New York Times

"Silence, silence on a critical issue".

Independent

It's a critical issue for Washington.

The New York Times

Here the critical issue is economic inequity.

The New York Times

The critical issue is demography.

The New York Times

This is a critical issue.

The New Yorker

"It became a critical issue".

The New York Times

Timing is a critical issue.

The New York Times

The critical issue is informed consent.

The New York Times

Inequality is a critical issue globally.

The Guardian

The critical issue is, of course, pay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical issue", ensure the context clearly establishes why the issue is of utmost importance. Provide specific details or examples to underscore its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "critical issue" repetitively in a single document or speech. Vary your language by using synonyms like "pressing concern" or "urgent matter" to maintain audience engagement and emphasize different facets of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or direct object. It identifies a matter of great importance or urgency, requiring immediate attention. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical issue" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to highlight matters of great importance and urgency. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase appears most frequently in news media, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, remember to provide clear context to emphasize the significance of the issue and avoid overuse by employing synonyms such as ""pressing concern"" or ""urgent matter"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing concern

Focuses on the urgency and worry associated with the issue.

urgent matter

Highlights the need for immediate attention.

key problem

Emphasizes that the issue is a central difficulty.

significant challenge

Highlights the difficulty and importance of overcoming the issue.

vital question

Emphasizes the importance of the question that needs answering.

major obstacle

Focuses on the impeding nature of the issue.

primary focus

Highlights the issue as the main area of attention.

essential point

Emphasizes the importance of the point being made.

fundamental problem

Highlights the root cause aspect of the issue.

serious dilemma

Emphasizes the problematic nature and difficult choice involved.

FAQs

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

Use "critical issue" to highlight a problem or subject that requires immediate and careful attention. For example, "Climate change is a "critical issue" that demands global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "critical issue"?

Alternatives include "pressing concern", "urgent matter", or "key problem". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very critical issue"?

Yes, using "very" before "critical" is generally redundant because "critical" already implies a high degree of importance. It's better to simply use ""critical issue"".

What makes something a "critical issue" rather than just an "issue"?

A ""critical issue"" is one that has potentially serious consequences if not addressed effectively and promptly. It signifies a higher level of urgency and importance than a regular "issue".