issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'issue' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a problem, matter, or difficulty, as in "This is a complex issue that needs to be addressed quickly." It can also be used as a verb to mean "to bring up or introduce a subject or problem," as in "The group discussed the issue of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Determining where this capital is spent needs to be an important issue for investors, otherwise there is going to be a lot of capital wasted in coming years on developing fossil fuel reserves that cannot be burned".

The Guardian

The official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, said photographs from North Korea showing a rocket launched from the sea appeared to be authentic.

The Guardian

This ruling will save lives by forcing the government to finally take this issue seriously.

The Guardian

"It was quite obvious it was my shoes that was an issue".

The Guardian - Film

"We knew this was a legacy issue which had been established by the previous government.

The Guardian

Clinton first addressed the issue in March, shortly after transparency concerns were raised following reports that she used only a personal email account to conduct government business.

The Guardian

The first minister has called for an emergency debate on the issue in the Northern Ireland assembly on Friday.

The Guardian

Paris is aware that if it is unable to tackle the issue of its pension shortfall, France's triple-A credit rating may be cut.

The New York Times

In France, the government is approaching the issue gingerly.

The New York Times

The government is currently negotiating with unions over the tricky issue of retirement.

The New York Times

Maybe get a stress test to confirm that there's no issue, but even that might be overkill.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a complex subject, break down the overarching "issue" into smaller, more manageable components for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "issue" as a catch-all term without specifying the nature of the problem. Replace it with more precise language like "problem", "challenge", or "concern" to provide greater clarity for your readers.

Linguistic Context

The word "issue" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a problem, topic, or point of contention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used. Examples show its versatility in various contexts, from political debates to environmental concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "issue" is a versatile and frequently used noun referring to a problem, topic, or point of contention. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical status is correct and it appears across diverse contexts. While related terms like "problem", "matter", and "concern" can offer more specificity, "issue" serves as a useful general term. When using "issue", ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the subject and avoid overuse as a vague placeholder. Common sources include The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist, reflecting its widespread use in news and formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problem

Replaces "issue" with a more direct term emphasizing a difficulty or obstacle.

matter

Substitutes "issue" with a broader term referring to a subject of discussion or concern.

concern

Emphasizes the aspect of worry or importance associated with the "issue".

topic

Replaces "issue" with a neutral term indicating a subject of conversation or writing.

question

Highlights the aspect of inquiry or debate related to the "issue".

point

Focuses on a specific aspect or detail within the broader "issue".

dilemma

Highlights a situation involving a difficult choice or problem.

challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to address the "issue".

subject

Uses a term referring to any thing that forms the substance of an expression or thought.

predicament

Replaces "issue" with a term that indicates that someone is in a difficult or dangerous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "issue" in a sentence?

You can use "issue" as a noun to refer to a problem or topic, such as "Climate change is a pressing issue" or as a verb to mean 'to officially give out' as in "The bank will issue new credit cards next month".

What can I say instead of "issue"?

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

Which is correct, "issue" or "problem"?

"Issue" and "problem" are both correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Issue" is often used for broader topics, while "problem" usually refers to a specific difficulty.

What's the difference between "issue" and "topic"?

"Issue" often implies a problem or point of contention, while "topic" is a more neutral term for a subject of discussion.