issue is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issue is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a problem or topic that needs to be addressed or discussed. Example: "The main issue is that we are running out of time to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The issue is change.

The New York Times

Another issue is urgency.

The New York Times

Another issue is football.

The New York Times

Another issue is merchandising.

The New York Times - Sports

Another issue is Kosovo.

The New York Times

One issue is cost.

The Economist

The issue is property.

The Economist

One issue is behavior.

The New York Times

Scott's issue is putting.

The New Yorker

Another issue is incentives.

The New York Times

The issue is demographic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "issue is", clearly define the specific issue you are addressing to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The issue is…", try "The main issue is the lack of funding for this project."

Common error

Avoid using "issue is" without a clear antecedent. For example, don't start a sentence with "The issue is…" if it's not immediately clear what issue you're referring to from the previous sentence or context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue is" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject (often referring to a problem or topic) to a description or explanation of that subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase introduces a problem or topic needing address.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "issue is" is a versatile and commonly used construction that serves to introduce a problem, topic, or point of discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across diverse contexts. The analysis shows that this phrase functions as a linking verb, connecting a subject to its description. "Issue is" appears most frequently in News & Media, followed by Science and Formal & Business domains, indicating its neutrality in register. For clarity, it’s best practice to define the specific issue you're addressing. While there are numerous alternatives, such as "the problem is" or "the concern is", the key is to maintain precision and relevance to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the heart of the matter is

Indicates the most essential or fundamental aspect.

the crux of the issue is

Highlights the decisive or critical point.

the core concern is

Highlights the primary worry or point of unease.

the fundamental problem is

Emphasizes the basic or underlying difficulty.

the problem lies in

Shifts the focus to the location or source of the problem.

the main difficulty is

Points out the principal source of trouble or hardship.

the key challenge is

Focuses on the major obstacle or difficulty.

the primary obstacle is

Focuses on the chief impediment or hurdle.

the central question is

Emphasizes the core inquiry or matter needing resolution.

a major sticking point is

Identifies a specific point of disagreement or contention.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "issue is"?

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

How do I use "issue is" in a sentence?

Use "issue is" to introduce a specific problem, topic, or point of contention. For example: "The main issue is the budget constraints."

Which is correct, "the issue is" or "an issue is"?

"The issue is" is used to refer to a specific, identifiable problem. "An issue is" suggests that the topic is one of many possible problems. For example, "The issue is funding", versus "An issue is finding qualified staff".

What's the difference between "the issue is" and "the question is"?

"The issue is" implies a problem or matter needing resolution, while "the question is" introduces a point of inquiry or uncertainty. For example, "The issue is how to reduce costs", versus "The question is whether we can afford this project".