define the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or specify a problem or topic that needs to be addressed. Example: "Before we proceed with the discussion, let's take a moment to define the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's all about how you choose to define the issue.

The New Yorker

"She helped define the issue in our terms and not somebody else's".

The Guardian

We should take care, however, not to let extreme positions on both sides define the issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

SCORECARD -- By getting out of the box first, Democrats are trying to define the issue on their terms.

The New York Times

Or it could be a failure of the economics profession to study — or even define — the issue.

The Washington Post

"As in any political debate, you can't give the other side free rein to define the issue," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Elites, who define the issues, have lost touch with the people," he wrote.

The Guardian - Business

The N.F.L. and N.B.A. players consistently allow the owners to define the issues.

The New York Times - Sports

But one judge also took the unusual step of suggesting further litigation that would better define the issues.

The New York Times

To determine what international trade rules are needed (if any!), we need to define the issues more clearly.

The Washington Post

Finally, we define the issues we want to study.

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a report or proposal, "define the issue" early to provide a clear focus for the reader. This ensures that everyone understands the core problem being addressed.

Common error

Avoid defining the issue so broadly that it becomes meaningless. A vague definition makes it difficult to develop targeted solutions and can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define the issue" functions as a directive or an informative statement. Grammatically, it's used to introduce the act of clarifying the nature and boundaries of a specific problem or subject matter. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a valid expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define the issue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression across various contexts, especially in news, science, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility. It serves to clarify the nature and scope of a problem, setting the stage for productive discussions or problem-solving. While alternatives like "identify the problem" or "clarify the matter" exist, "define the issue" provides a balanced approach suitable for both neutral and formal communication, promoting clarity and shared understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify the problem

Focuses on pinpointing the difficulty rather than just defining its scope.

clarify the matter

Implies making something easier to understand, not just setting its boundaries.

specify the concern

Highlights a feeling of worry or interest that needs to be addressed.

determine the subject

Centers more on establishing the topic of discussion.

outline the challenge

Emphasizes the difficulties involved, moving beyond a simple definition.

establish the scope

Focuses on setting the limits or extent of what is being discussed.

articulate the question

Stresses the act of expressing the issue in a clear and coherent manner, usually in a question form.

frame the problem

Involves presenting the issue from a particular perspective or angle.

delimit the subject

Highlights setting precise boundaries or limits to the topic.

delineate the matter

Emphasizes describing or portraying something precisely, in detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "define the issue" to introduce the main problem or subject being discussed, as in, "Before we can find a solution, we need to accurately define the issue." Alternatively, you can explore options like "identify the problem" or "clarify the matter".

What's the difference between "define the issue" and "determine the issue"?

"Define the issue" focuses on clarifying the nature and scope of a problem, while "determine the issue" suggests finding out or establishing what the problem actually is. Defining is about describing; determining is about discovering.

Is it better to "define the issue" or "define the problem"?

Both phrases are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Define the issue" might be preferred in more formal or abstract contexts, while "define the problem" is often used in more practical or concrete situations. The best choice depends on the specific context and your audience.

What can I say instead of "define the issue" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "delineate the matter", "articulate the question", or "establish the scope". These phrases suggest a more precise and detailed approach to understanding the subject.