issue is whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issue is whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a question or topic of debate regarding a specific matter or situation. Example: "The central issue is whether the new policy will effectively address the concerns raised by the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The issue is whether people want them.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue is whether it works.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The procedural issue is whether Prop.

The New Yorker

"The key issue is whether this was systemic," he said.

The New York Times

At issue is whether that penalty is a tax.

The New York Times

The issue is whether it can be done safely.

The New York Times

"The issue is whether they are the right policies.

Independent

The issue is whether that period was an exception.

The New York Times

The issue is whether it's a clear and present danger.

The New Yorker

The only issue is whether the results are any good.

The New Yorker

But the core issue is whether another run is likely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "issue is whether" to clearly introduce the central question or point of contention in your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using overly verbose phrasing such as "the main issue at hand is whether". Streamline your sentence by directly stating "the "issue is whether" to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue is whether" functions as an introductory phrase that sets up a question or a point of contention. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's used to frame the central question in a discussion or argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "issue is whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to introduce a pivotal question or point of contention, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears most commonly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While its register is generally neutral, suitable for diverse scenarios, it serves the specific purpose of framing the central question under consideration. For clarity, it's best to avoid redundant phrasing and directly state the "issue is whether". Alternatives include using "the question is if" or similar substitutions, though the core meaning remains largely consistent. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the question is if

Replaces "whether" with "if", making the phrase slightly more informal.

the point is whether

Substitutes "issue" with "point", emphasizing the core matter under consideration.

the concern is whether

Uses "concern" instead of "issue", highlighting a potential problem or worry.

it boils down to whether

Adds the idiom "boils down to", indicating the essence of the matter.

the real question is whether

Adds "real" to emphasize the genuine or most important question.

the central question is whether

Uses "central" to emphasize the importance of the question.

the main thing is whether

Replaces "issue" with "main thing", focusing on the primary consideration.

it hinges on whether

Employs the phrase "hinges on", suggesting that the outcome depends on the answer.

the crux of the matter is whether

Uses "crux of the matter" to pinpoint the most critical aspect.

what really matters is whether

Emphasizes the significance using "what really matters".

FAQs

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

The phrase "issue is whether" introduces a question or point of contention. For example, "The issue is whether the proposed changes will improve efficiency."

What can I say instead of "issue is whether"?

Alternatives include "the question is if", "the "point is whether"", or "the "concern is whether"", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "issue is whether" or "the issue is that"?

"Issue is whether" introduces a question, while "the issue is that" states a fact or problem. For example, "The issue is whether he will attend" vs. "The issue is that he is unavailable".

What's the difference between "issue is whether" and "the problem is whether"?

"Issue is whether" is neutral, while "the "problem is whether"" suggests a difficulty. The choice depends on the context and intended emphasis.