issue has been highlighted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'issue has been highlighted' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has brought a particular problem to the attention of others. For example, "The importance of public transport in reducing emissions has been highlighted in recent research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We are pleased that this issue has been highlighted to us".

The Guardian - Tech

The issue has been highlighted in recent weeks by two Oxford University students.

The Guardian

The issue has been highlighted by a standoff between the FBI and Apple.

The Guardian

The issue has been highlighted as the conflict's touchstone issue by many of Britain's mass-circulation newspapers and by the families of dead soldiers.

The New York Times

That undermines the basis of traditional mutual funds—and especially of the fees they charge.The issue has been highlighted by the arrival of a new class of investment products, of which BGI is the most recent sponsor, that resemble index funds in their performance, but qualify as shares and enjoy the consequent tax benefits.

The Economist

In more recent times the spam issue has been highlighted by Jason Calacanis, who has written multiple posts on the subject.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In Colorado, for example, immigration issues have been highlighted in advertisements in the State Senate contest in Jefferson County between Betty Boyd, the Democratic incumbent, and Matt Knoedler, a Republican state representative, and in the State House race between the incumbent, James L. Riesberg, a Democrat, and his challenger, David T. Owen, a Republican state senator.

The New York Times

Although no principle feasibility issue has been identified, a number of engineering issues have been highlighted for the LSHC that would require considerable efforts for their resolution.

Fusion Engineering and Design

The topics raised by the trial have been an area of focus for the School for some time, and these same issues have been highlighted for the broader St. Paul's community through testimony in court and recently in the press.

Huffington Post

Several key issues have been highlighted within this study: Firstly, monitoring is an essential part of adaptive management and a major effort is required to detect the long-term patterns of change in large tree structure.

Plosone

Similar issues have been highlighted in previous research [ 25], as well as the need for physical activity counselling to address issues of treatment fidelity[ 14].

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "issue has been highlighted" to introduce a problem or topic that has recently gained attention or is being discussed more widely. It's effective for framing discussions around current events, research findings, or policy changes.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions. While "issue has been highlighted" is grammatically correct, consider active voice alternatives like "researchers highlighted the issue" for more direct and engaging writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue has been highlighted" primarily functions as a way to introduce a topic that has recently gained attention or is being widely discussed. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The phrase often serves as a starting point for further discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

55%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "issue has been highlighted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for introducing a topic that has gained recent attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, serving to emphasize the importance of a particular problem or topic. While it maintains a neutral register, writers should consider using active voice alternatives for more direct writing. Its consistent usage across various reputable sources underscores its reliability and authority. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use the phrase to signal the relevance of a topic and draw readers' attention to critical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue has been brought to light

Highlights the act of uncovering or revealing the issue.

issue has attracted attention

Focuses on the fact that the issue is now being noticed.

issue has been emphasized

Focuses on stressing the importance of the issue.

issue has been underscored

Suggests the issue has been emphasized or stressed.

attention has been drawn to the issue

Shifts focus to the action of drawing attention.

issue has gained prominence

Emphasizes the increasing importance or visibility of the issue.

issue is now in the spotlight

Implies the issue is receiving significant public scrutiny.

the issue is receiving increased scrutiny

Highlights the detailed examination the issue is undergoing.

the problem has been recognized

Focuses on the acknowledgement of the problem.

the matter is now under consideration

Indicates the issue is being thought about and evaluated.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "issue has gained prominence" or "issue has been brought to light". These options provide a sophisticated and professional tone suitable for academic or business contexts.

What does it mean when an "issue has been highlighted"?

When an "issue has been highlighted", it means that attention has been drawn to it. The problem, concern, or topic has been brought to the forefront and is receiving increased focus or scrutiny. It suggests the issue is now being recognized and discussed more widely.

Is it better to say "issue has been highlighted" or "issue was highlighted"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Issue has been highlighted" implies the issue is currently receiving attention and remains relevant. "Issue was highlighted" suggests the issue received attention in the past, but may not be as relevant now. Choose the tense that best reflects the ongoing or past nature of the attention.

Which is correct, "the issue has been highlighted" or "the issues have been highlighted"?

The correct form depends on whether you are referring to a single issue or multiple issues. Use "the issue has been highlighted" for a single topic and "the issues have been highlighted" when referring to several distinct points of concern.