issue is that

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A second issue is that of complexity.

The New York Times

So the first issue is that.

University of California, Berkeley

The biggest issue is that of temperature.

Harvard University

The bigger issue is that Alibaba's I.P.O.

The New York Times

• The second issue is that fans vote.

The New York Times - Sports

Another NY-specific issue is that of species mixtures.

Cornell University

The other issue is that the ideas are complex.

University of California, Berkeley

"The issue is that Shrum likes to take control".

The New Yorker

The issue is that Democratic voters are like Republican voters.

The Economist

Another issue is that the devices haven't been thoroughly tested.

The New York Times - Travel

A thornier issue is that of time violations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by substituting "issue" with synonyms like "problem", "concern", or "difficulty", especially when writing multiple sentences or paragraphs discussing related topics.

Common error

Avoid using "issue is that" followed by a vague or overly general statement. Instead, provide a specific and clear articulation of the problem to ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue is that" functions as a declarative expression to introduce and highlight a specific problem or point of contention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a commonly used structure in English. It sets the stage for an explanation or elaboration on the identified issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "issue is that" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a specific problem or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and utilized across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While it maintains a neutral register, it's important to follow it with a clear and concise statement of the issue at hand. Remember to check the Ludwig examples to contextualize a phrase and improve your writing with authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problem is that

Replaces "issue" with "problem", indicating a difficulty or challenge.

the concern is that

Substitutes "issue" with "concern", highlighting a worry or apprehension.

the difficulty lies in

Focuses on the specific point where the challenge or obstacle exists.

the main point is that

Emphasizes the central idea or argument.

what matters is that

Highlights the most important aspect or consideration.

the crux of the matter is

Focuses on the most important point needed for a decision.

the heart of the matter is

Emphasizes the core or central element of a situation.

the real problem is

Highlights that you are going to talk about an existing problem.

fundamentally, it's that

Highlights that you are going to talk about the base reason.

at the end of the day

This alternative gives a final meaning to the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "issue is that" in a sentence?

Use "issue is that" to introduce a problem or challenge. For example, "The "issue is that" we don't have enough resources to complete the project on time."

What phrases are similar to "issue is that"?

Similar phrases include "the "problem is that"", "the "concern is that"", or "the "difficulty lies in"", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "issue is that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Issue is that" is a common and accepted way to introduce a statement about a problem or challenge.

When should I use "issue is that" instead of "problem is that"?

While both are similar, "issue" can sometimes be perceived as less negative than "problem". Use "issue" when you want to soften the tone or when referring to a matter that needs attention but isn't necessarily a major crisis.