issue at play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'issue at play' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a problem or difficulty that is present or needs to be addressed. For example, "There is a complex issue at play when it comes to finding a solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But there's another issue at play.

The Washington Post

There is another issue at play.

The New York Times

There's another issue at play: the nature of belief.

The New Yorker

But there is another issue at play here.

The Washington Post

There isn't a single issue at play here.

The Guardian - Opinion

This report includes four cases for which commercial speech is the key legal issue at play.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Are there any other issues at play?

Independent

There are also socioeconomic issues at play.

The Guardian - Sport

But there were other issues at play, as well.

The New York Times

Or are there other issues at play here?

The New York Times

But there are deeper ideological issues at play.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "issue at play" to introduce a problem or factor that is not immediately obvious but is crucial to understanding a situation. This phrase is effective in analytical writing where you need to reveal underlying complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "issue at play" when a simpler, more direct term like "problem" or "concern" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue at play" functions as a noun phrase identifying a significant problem or factor influencing a situation. It's used to highlight complexities or underlying dynamics, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "issue at play" is a versatile expression used to pinpoint a significant problem or factor affecting a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and academic contexts. When writing, remember that while "issue at play" can add depth to your analysis, it should be used judiciously in scenarios where a simpler term wouldn't suffice. Alternatives like "factor in effect" or "matter under consideration" can provide subtle shifts in meaning depending on the specific context. Understanding these nuances will help you use "issue at play" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factor in effect

This alternative highlights the influence of a particular element.

aspect in question

This phrase emphasizes the specific detail being considered.

matter under consideration

This suggests something is being formally reviewed or thought about.

point at issue

This phrase highlights a specific disagreement or conflict.

problem in focus

This term emphasizes that the problem is the center of attention.

underlying dynamic

This refers to a hidden or less obvious force influencing events.

relevant consideration

This term highlights something important that should be taken into account.

prevailing concern

This emphasizes the widespread worry or anxiety about something.

significant element

This phrase underlines the importance of a specific part of something.

operative component

This term indicates an active or functioning part that has an effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "issue at play" to introduce a relevant problem or difficulty in a specific situation. For example, "There's a significant "issue at play" when discussing economic inequality."

What are some alternatives to "issue at play"?

Some alternatives include "factor in effect", "aspect in question", or "matter under consideration", depending on the specific context.

Is "issue at play" formal or informal?

"Issue at play" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as news reporting, academic papers, or professional discussions. It is generally not used in very informal settings.

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

"Issue at play" often refers to a more nuanced or underlying concern that requires analysis, while "problem" is a more direct and general term for something that needs to be solved. The "issue at play" might not be immediately obvious.