issue of substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issue of substance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or topic that is significant or important in a discussion or debate. Example: "The committee needs to address the issue of substance before making any decisions on the proposed policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Consider now an issue of substance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Was it an issue of substance?

The Guardian

Is the currency the only issue of substance?

The Times

And as I do that, I want to deal directly with this issue of substance.

The Guardian

It was an issue of substance at a time when military action to some at least had become inevitable.

The Guardian

There is some truth in the charge, but he has not caved in to a national capital on any major issue of substance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Begin with the issue of substances: one of the traditional characteristics of substances is that substances do not have opposites, i.e., there is no opposite of horse (non-horse does not count as an opposite).

SEP

Sure, those sound like Issues of Substance.

The Washington Post

Beyond complaints about style, there were issues of substance.

The New York Times

It may all be a pose, but the pose is on issues of substance.

The Guardian - Opinion

I just wish that the campaigns were more focused on Issues of Substance.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "issue of substance", ensure the context clearly indicates the significance or importance of the matter being discussed. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a topic that deserves serious consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "issue of substance" in casual or informal settings. It is more appropriate for formal discussions, academic papers, or professional reports. Using it in informal situations can sound overly pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue of substance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a topic or matter that is significant and warrants attention. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "issue of substance" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a significant or important topic requiring attention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it finds usage across news, scientific, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. For variety, consider alternatives like "significant matter" or "key question", but reserve "issue of substance" for formal settings to avoid sounding pretentious. Remember, the key is to clearly convey the importance of the matter at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant matter

This alternative focuses on the importance of the issue.

important topic

This alternative emphasizes the subject matter's relevance.

substantive question

This alternative uses an adjective to directly modify "question" conveying the nature of being substantive.

key question

This alternative highlights the interrogative nature of the issue.

critical point

This alternative stresses the crucial aspect of the issue.

major concern

This alternative underlines the worrying nature of the issue.

fundamental problem

This alternative focuses on the basic and underlying aspect of the issue.

essential element

This alternative points out the necessary component of the issue.

central theme

This alternative highlights the recurring subject of the issue.

primary subject

This alternative points out the main subject of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "issue of substance" in a sentence?

You can use "issue of substance" to refer to a significant or important matter. For example, "The main issue of substance is whether we can afford this project."

What are some alternatives to "issue of substance"?

Some alternatives include "significant matter", "important topic", or "key question", depending on the context.

Is "issue of substance" formal or informal?

"Issue of substance" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. Using it in casual conversation may sound unnatural.

What's the difference between "issue of substance" and "matter of concern"?

"Issue of substance" emphasizes the importance or significance of a topic, while "matter of concern" highlights the worrying or problematic aspect of something. The former is about significance, the latter about worry.