issue at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issue at hand" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the topic or problem that is currently being discussed. For example, "Let's focus on the issue at hand and deal with it before discussing anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The issue at hand is size.

The New York Times

That is the issue at hand.

The New York Times

There's a bigger issue at hand.

The Guardian

The issue at hand is my groin".

The New York Times - Sports

McGuire avoided the issue at hand.

The Guardian - Sport

Which sort of brings us to the issue at hand.

The New York Times

At least your all talking about the issue at hand.

Independent

The issue at hand is how the additional stabilizing terms affect the resulting controller.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

Whom can we partner with to best address the issue at hand?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The issue at hand is when do these drugs become addictive?

Harvard University

But many stumble when the issue at hand has ethical outcomes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "issue at hand", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the issue is to avoid ambiguity. Provide enough background information for readers to understand the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid repeating "issue at hand" multiple times within a single paragraph or short section. Vary your language by using synonyms like "matter in question" or "topic under discussion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify and emphasize the central topic, problem, or matter being discussed or addressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

24%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "issue at hand" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to highlight the current topic or problem being addressed. As Ludwig AI states, it is effective across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. To avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms like "matter in question" or "topic under discussion". When using this phrase, ensure clarity and provide sufficient context for your audience. By following these guidelines, you can use "issue at hand" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter in question

This alternative directly refers to the specific matter being discussed or debated.

topic under discussion

Focuses on the subject currently being talked about or analyzed.

point at issue

Highlights the specific point of disagreement or concern.

subject in question

Similar to "matter in question", but can also apply to broader themes.

problem at hand

Emphasizes the problematic aspect of the situation being addressed.

current concern

Highlights the immediacy and relevance of the matter being discussed.

present matter

A more formal way to refer to the current topic.

relevant subject

Indicates the pertinence of the topic to the conversation or situation.

central question

Highlights the core question or inquiry being considered.

immediate problem

Stresses the urgency of the problem needing resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "issue at hand" in a sentence?

You can use "issue at hand" to introduce the main topic or problem being discussed, like "Let's get back to the "issue at hand": the budget cuts" or "The "issue at hand" is how to improve our customer service".

What's a more formal alternative to "issue at hand"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "matter in question" or "topic under discussion", which convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

Is it appropriate to use "issue at hand" in academic writing?

Yes, "issue at hand" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing. It helps to clearly define the focus of your analysis or argument, ensuring that your readers understand the "issue at hand".

What's the difference between ""issue at hand"" and "problem at hand"?

While both phrases are similar, ""issue at hand"" can refer to any topic or matter being discussed, whereas "problem at hand" specifically implies that there is a difficulty or challenge that needs to be resolved. Therefore, "problem at hand" is more specific in its connotation.