has been an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "has been an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a long-standing problem or concern that has been occurring over a period of time. For example: "Climate change has been an issue for several years now, but a solution has yet to be found."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Practice time has been an issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Run support has been an issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Race has been an issue here, though.

The New York Times

It has been an issue here".

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's safety has been an issue.

The New York Times

Brexit has been an issue," he said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cost has been an issue as well.

The New York Times

Comfort has been an issue with this kind of coaster.

The New York Times

But playing time has been an issue for Umenyiora.

The New York Times - Sports

Outside blitz identification has been an issue throughout Vick's career.

The New York Times

There has been an issue that's been identified".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been an issue", provide context about the issue. Briefly explain why it's a problem and who it affects.

Common error

Avoid using "has been an issue" without providing specific details. The phrase itself is generic, so ensure you clarify exactly what issue you are referring to for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been an issue" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular topic or situation constitutes a problem or concern. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to introduce or refer to ongoing problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been an issue" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a persistent problem or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting that it's most commonly found in news and media, followed by scientific and formal business contexts. While widely accepted, it's essential to provide specific context when using the phrase to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "has presented a problem" or "has posed difficulties" can be used for a more formal tone, whereas "has been a challenge" can be used in informal writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Has presented a problem

Focuses on the problematic nature of something.

Has been a challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty encountered.

Has caused concern

Highlights the worrying aspect of a situation.

Has posed difficulties

Similar to 'has been a challenge', but with a slightly more formal tone.

Has created a hurdle

Suggests an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

Has proven problematic

Indicates that something has turned out to be a problem.

Has been a stumbling block

Highlights an obstacle preventing progress.

Has been a source of trouble

Focuses on the troublesome nature of something.

Has given rise to difficulties

Suggests the emergence of problems as a result of something.

Has not been without its problems

Acknowledges the presence of issues, often despite positive aspects.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has been an issue" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "has presented a problem", "has posed difficulties", or "has given rise to difficulties" depending on the specific context.

What are some alternatives to "has been an issue" for informal writing?

In more informal contexts, consider using phrases like "has been a challenge", "has caused concern", or simply "has been a problem".

Is it correct to say "had been an issue" instead of "has been an issue"?

Yes, "had been an issue" is grammatically correct, but it indicates that the issue was present in the past and is no longer a current problem. "Has been an issue" suggests that the problem continues to exist.

What's the difference between "has been an issue" and "is an issue"?

"Has been an issue" implies that the problem has existed for some time, while "is an issue" simply states that it's currently a problem, without specifying how long it has persisted.