leading issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or significant topic of discussion or concern in a particular context, such as politics, business, or social issues. Example: "The leading issue in the upcoming election is healthcare reform, which has garnered significant attention from voters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

With the economy looming as the leading issue in the presidential race, Mr. Bernanke faces a delicate decision.

The New York Times

In 2005, health was picked by 21% as the leading issue — now it has fallen to third place on 11%.

The Guardian

Let us turn finally to the third of the leading issue addressed in the establishment journals cited earlier, the "threat of Iran".

The Guardian - Opinion

Shares of Gillette fell 62 cents, to $28 .[C4.] U.S. and China Make Trade Progress The United States and China have narrowed their differences over farm subsidies, a leading issue holding up Chinese entry into the World Trade Organization.

The New York Times

Yet her fate has become a seminal event in British politics, causing nationwide debates over the philosophy of the Labor government led by Prime Minister Tony Blair and reintroducing class as a leading issue.

The New York Times

A17 Canadian Health Care Anger Complaints about long lines for diagnosis and surgery, as well as "line-jumping" by the affluent and connected, are eroding public confidence in Canada's national health care system and producing a leading issue for next year's national elections.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

To my mind, the "leading issues of the day" are war, hunger and the exploitation of the poor and the defenseless.

The New York Times - Books

The two Democrats seem to agree on the leading issues -- health care, education, Social Security and campaign finance reform -- but they have argued vehemently over the details.

The New York Times

The candidates for governor have barely begun debating what both agree will be the leading issues in November: education, taxes, auto insurance and suburban sprawl.

The New York Times

The Nikkei average of 225 leading issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange will be altered as a result of a merger that will create the world's largest financial institution.

The New York Times

PAGE A17 Diverging Views Senator Joseph I. Lieberman sought to play down his differences with Vice President Al Gore on some of the leading issues of the campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leading issue" to signal the main focus of a discussion, debate, or campaign. This helps the reader understand the central point being addressed.

Common error

Avoid assuming an issue is "leading" without evidence. Back up the claim with data or sources to demonstrate widespread concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important or prominent matter under discussion or consideration. Ludwig AI's examples show it typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, defining what is of utmost importance in a given context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leading issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the most important matter in a given context. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide acceptance and usage across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using "leading issue", ensure clarity by specifying who considers it the most important and backing up your claim with evidence. Remember to avoid overstating its importance without proper support. Consider using alternatives such as "primary concern", "major problem" or "key question" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary issue

Emphasizes the issue's importance in a ranking or sequence.

major concern

Focuses on the anxiety or worry the issue causes.

central problem

Highlights that the issue is a difficulty that needs resolving.

key question

Indicates the issue is a query needing an answer or resolution.

principal challenge

Stresses the difficulty in dealing with the issue.

foremost topic

Emphasizes that the issue is at the front of the conversation.

chief priority

Highlights that the issue takes precedence over others.

dominant theme

Highlights the recurring nature of the issue.

critical factor

Emphasizes the issue's decisive influence.

significant matter

Indicates the issue is worthy of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "leading issue" in a sentence?

You can use "leading issue" to describe the main topic of concern. For example: "With the economy faltering, inflation has become the "leading issue" for many voters."

What are some alternatives to "leading issue"?

Alternatives include "primary concern", "major problem", or "key question" depending on the specific context.

Is "leading issue" formal or informal?

"Leading issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be sure to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

How does "leading issue" compare to "important issue"?

"Leading issue" implies a higher level of significance than "important issue", suggesting it is the top priority or most pressing concern.