it's an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a problem or a difficulty. For example: Traffic congestion is becoming a major issue in many cities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gender's an issue because it's an issue.

The Guardian

It's an issue.

The New York Times

"It's an issue of balance.

The New York Times

It's an issue of confidence.

The New York Times

"It's an issue of volume".

The New York Times

It's an issue, certainly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's an issue that obviously grates.

Independent

Sometimes it's an issue of timing.

The New York Times - Books

It's an issue of mental illness.

The New Yorker

It's an issue that always does.

Independent

It's an issue that concerns Mercer.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's an issue" when you want to acknowledge a problem or difficulty without necessarily emphasizing its severity. It's a neutral way to introduce a topic that requires attention or discussion.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it's an issue" without explaining what the issue is or why it matters. Always provide context to ensure clarity and relevance for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's an issue" functions primarily as a declarative statement introducing a topic or problem that requires attention. Ludwig shows numerous examples where this phrase is used to set the stage for further discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's an issue" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to introduce a topic of concern or a potential problem. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to provide context when using the phrase to ensure clarity. Remember that alternatives like "it is a concern" or "that's a challenge" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. "It's an issue" is a reliable way to bring attention to something that needs addressing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a concern

Replaces 'issue' with 'concern', softening the tone slightly.

it is a problem

Substitutes 'issue' with 'problem', offering a more direct and potentially serious connotation.

that's a challenge

Replaces the phrase with 'that's a challenge', framing it as something to be overcome.

that's a difficulty

Substitutes 'issue' with 'difficulty', highlighting the troublesome aspect.

that's a snag

Replaces with 'that's a snag', implying a small, unexpected problem.

that poses a problem

Rephrases to emphasize the problematic nature of the situation.

it presents a challenge

Similar to 'that's a challenge' but phrased more formally.

this requires attention

Shifts the focus to the need for action or consideration.

this is a matter of concern

Formally expresses that something is worrying.

this warrants consideration

Highlights the importance of thinking about something carefully.

FAQs

How can I use "it's an issue" in a sentence?

The phrase "it's an issue" is commonly used to introduce a problem or topic of concern. For example: "Cost overruns are becoming "it's an issue" for many projects."

What are some alternatives to "it's an issue"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it is a concern", "it is a problem", or "that's a challenge".

Is there a difference between saying "it's an issue" and "it's a problem"?

While similar, "it's an issue" can sometimes imply a less severe or more nuanced concern than "it's a problem". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of seriousness you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it's an issue" in formal writing?

"It's an issue" is generally acceptable in most forms of writing, including formal contexts, as long as it is used clearly and contributes to the overall message. More formal alternatives could include "this is a matter of concern".