issue close to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issue close to the" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a topic or concern that is relevant or significant to a particular group or individual. Example: "This is an issue close to the community's heart." Alternative expressions include "matter important to the" and "concern relevant to the."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

An effective ad campaign could dredge up submerged fears of immigrants and push the issue close to the top of people's concerns.

The Economist

There is almost always a desire to educate and inform the benighted public about a moral issue close to the star's heart.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The environmental theme allowed Mr. Kerry to pound the president on an issue close to the hearts and wallets of voters in this battleground state.

The New York Times

It is an issue close to the heart of Mr. Moore, who is gay, and he has funneled his passion into a young-adult novel.

The New York Times - Books

Since then, nearby residents have staged no less than four protests outside the airport's barbed wire-topped fences, motivated by an issue close to the heart of many Queens residents: traffic.

The New York Times

While General Musharraf could turn his back on the Taliban, whom Pakistani governments had supported before Sept. 11, Kashmir is an issue close to the heart of his nation -- and his military -- and the general is clearly eager to avoid any impression that he would jettison the cause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

No valid comparison was available for HGTV, which began publication in 2012 with the June/July issue (its February/March issue, closest to the time period being compared, was a test run).

The New York Times

Bradley Manning supporters have long pointed to Flynn as a key figure in the decision to subject the soldier to an extreme regime, bringing the issue closer to the centre of the Obama administration.

The Guardian

It is a striking development in a city where identity politics are always complex: a white candidate muscling in on black support for a leading African-American candidate by claiming the mantle of the issue closest to the hearts of many black voters.

The New York Times

By now, many Americans have heard the presidential candidates talk about issues close to the heart of rural America.

The New York Times

Last week he grew irritated in a Fox News interview at questions over his shifts on abortion rights, health care and other issues close to the hearts of conservatives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "issue close to the", ensure that the possessive pronoun accurately reflects who deeply cares about the issue. For example: "an issue close to my heart", "an issue close to their hearts".

Common error

Avoid generalizing the importance of an issue without clear evidence that it resonates with the intended audience. For instance, instead of assuming an issue is "close to the community's heart", confirm it through research or engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue close to the" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it often describes topics of personal or collective importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "issue close to the" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to denote a subject or cause of great personal importance. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, highlighting topics of concern. The phrase is considered neutral in register, fitting various writing styles. When using "issue close to the", clarity regarding whose heart the issue is close to is crucial. Alternative expressions include "matter of deep concern" and "subject held dear", providing options for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause near and dear to one's heart

Emphasizes the personal commitment and affection for the cause.

subject held dear

Highlights the emotional connection and personal value attached to the subject.

cherished cause

Highlights the value and affection associated with a cause.

matter of deep concern

Focuses on the worry or anxiety associated with the issue.

issue of profound importance

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the issue.

topic of great importance

Emphasizes the significance and relevance of the topic.

significant concern

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the concern.

pressing matter

Highlights the urgency and need for immediate attention.

matter of utmost importance

Highlights the supreme significance of the issue.

personal passion

Emphasizes the deep enthusiasm and dedication towards a specific area.

FAQs

What does "issue close to the heart" mean?

It signifies a subject or cause that someone feels strongly about, often due to personal experiences or values. It implies a deep emotional connection and commitment to addressing the "underlying problem".

What can I say instead of "issue close to the heart"?

You can use alternatives like "matter of deep concern", "topic of great importance", or "subject held dear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "issue close to the heart" in a sentence?

For example, you could say, "Environmental conservation is an issue close to the heart of many young people" or "Equal access to education is an issue close to the heart of the organization's founder".

Which is correct, "issue close to the heart" or "issue that is close to the heart"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The shorter version, "issue close to the heart", is more concise and commonly used. The longer version, "issue that is close to the heart", adds a bit of emphasis, but may sound slightly redundant.