greater issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a problem or concern that is more significant or important than another issue being considered. Example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, the greater issue at hand is the impact on employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The even greater issue may be data.

The New York Times - Tech

But the greater issue is us.

The Guardian - Opinion

It should not become a greater issue than it is".

The New York Times

The greater issue at hand is why this process should be necessary at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Martin Sorrell said during Ad Week that he thought security was a greater issue than privacy.

The Guardian

When patients have communication problems, observational skills become an even greater issue.

The New York Times

The greater issue is their maddening inconsistency, their penchant for winning five in a row, then losing three.

The New York Times - Sports

But there is a greater issue pending during these Winter Games: the security of the world's greatest athletes.

The New York Times - Sports

At stake are pristine ecosystems and rural farms, but an even greater issue involves building the world's longest transmission lines.

The Guardian

If such an argument should unexpectedly prevail, then the greater issue might concern the value of legal precedent itself.

The New York Times

"The greater issue is the long-term health and prosperity of the university," not the position of Mr. Bulger, Mr. Boyle said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greater issue", ensure that the comparison is clear. Specify what the "greater issue" is in relation to, and why it is more significant. For example: "While the cost is a factor, the "greater issue" is the potential long-term environmental impact."

Common error

Avoid using "greater issue" when the problem is not truly more significant than other aspects. Misusing it can diminish the impact of genuinely important concerns. For instance, don't say "The greater issue is the font size" if there are more pressing concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater issue" functions as a noun phrase used to identify a problem or topic that is deemed more important or significant than others being considered. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greater issue" is a versatile phrase used to highlight the most significant problem or concern in a given context. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse sources, predominantly in news and media. The phrase serves to emphasize relative importance, directing attention to the most critical aspects. While alternatives like "more significant problem" or "primary concern" exist, "greater issue" remains a common and effective choice. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overstating the actual importance of the issue. Recognizing these nuances ensures effective communication and strengthens the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more significant problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", emphasizing the problematic nature of the situation. It is more direct and focuses on negative aspects.

more important consideration

Shifts the focus to the act of considering, suggesting a deliberate evaluation of importance. It is more formal and emphasizes the decision-making process.

primary concern

Highlights the main worry or area of interest, simplifying the expression. It is more concise and directly addresses what is causing concern.

overriding factor

Indicates that this aspect is dominant and takes precedence over others. It suggests something that determines the outcome.

central question

Frames the issue as a key inquiry needing resolution, suitable when a matter is being investigated. It is more focused on the question aspect of the issue.

main challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty involved, appropriate when the issue presents a significant obstacle. It is more targeted at the difficulty.

key priority

Positions the issue as something that must be addressed first, denoting urgency and importance. It is action-oriented.

fundamental aspect

Indicates that the issue is basic and essential to understanding the situation. It is more analytical and focuses on understanding the core elements.

underlying issue

Suggests the presence of a deeper, less obvious problem that needs to be addressed. It implies a hidden or root cause.

larger picture

Shifts focus away from details and towards the broader context to suggest a wider consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "greater issue" to emphasize a problem or concern that is more significant than another. For example, "While the budget cuts are concerning, the "greater issue" at hand is the impact on employee morale."

What's a good alternative to "greater issue"?

You can use alternatives like "more significant problem", "primary concern", or "overriding factor" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "greater issue" or "biggest issue"?

Both "greater issue" and "biggest issue" are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Greater issue" implies a matter of relative importance, while "biggest issue" refers to the largest or most substantial problem. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing comparative significance or sheer magnitude.

What is the difference between "underlying issue" and "greater issue"?

"Underlying issue" refers to a fundamental, often hidden problem that contributes to a situation. In contrast, the "greater issue" is the most significant or pressing concern among multiple issues, whether it's hidden or not.