lively issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lively issue" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts discussing topics that are actively debated or discussed, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "The lively issue of climate change continues to spark passionate debates among scientists and policymakers."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Europe has become a lively issue in Scotland and Wales.

Independent

But conscription is no longer a lively issue on Princeton's campus, or any campus.

Princeton University

What it shows is that this is a lively issue and there are many people who are truly engaged.

The New York Times

It's quite a lively issue". Romania, meanwhile, has sent 278 non-combatants, experts mainly in mining and decontamination in case of biological or chemical attack.

The Guardian

Rather, Morton was measuring his skulls to study human variation, as part of his inquiry into whether God had created the human races separately (a lively issue before Darwin decreed that everyone belonged to the same species).

The New York Times

This debate was recently fought out in a lively issue of the Biblical Archaeology Review, a bimonthly magazine published in Washington, in which one of the minimalists, the British scholar Philip Davies, wrote that biblical accounts of early Israel were purely theological, not historical.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Original documents, film clips and interactive gadgets dramatize the still lively issues surrounding the document.

The New York Times - Travel

The right to food is finally becoming a lively political issue in India.

The New York Times

But in recent years, Mrs. Lindgren has been responsible for making the treatment of farm animals a lively political issue here.

The New York Times

It has no place at the airport or over any official building, such as the Kurds' lively parliament.The issue of maps (above) is just as toxic and tricky.

The Economist

When the housing market was in high froth, lenders did a lively business issuing mortgages in amounts perilously close to the full value of the home being bought or refinanced.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If your goal is to describe the widespread presence of a subject, choose other expressions.

Common error

Avoid using "lively issue" when the discussion is primarily negative or hostile; phrases like "contentious subject" or "raging controversy" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lively issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "lively" modifies the noun "issue". It describes an issue that is currently generating significant interest and debate, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lively issue" describes a topic that is actively discussed and debated. While Ludwig AI indicates that it is an acceptable phrase, it is not extremely common and might be less preferred than alternatives such as "hot topic" or "active debate". Its usage spans various contexts, notably news, academia, and science, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation involves active and engaging discussion rather than primarily negative conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hot topic

Focuses on the current popularity and intensity of discussion surrounding the issue.

active debate

Highlights the ongoing nature of the discussion and the presence of differing viewpoints.

contentious subject

Emphasizes the potential for disagreement and conflict associated with the issue.

burning question

Implies a sense of urgency and importance attached to finding a resolution.

prominent concern

Stresses the widespread attention and worry surrounding the issue.

vigorous discussion

Highlights the energy and enthusiasm involved in the debate.

raging controversy

Emphasizes the intensity and often public nature of the dispute.

much-debated point

Indicates that the issue has been discussed extensively over time.

critical matter

Underscores the significance and potential consequences of the issue.

topical subject

Indicates the issue's relevance and timeliness in current events.

FAQs

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

You can use "lively issue" to describe a topic that is currently generating a lot of discussion and debate. For example, "Climate change remains a "lively issue" in political discourse".

What are some alternatives to "lively issue"?

Alternatives include "hot topic", "active debate", or "contentious subject", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lively issue" formal or informal?

"Lively issue" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in news and academic writing than in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "lively issue" and "controversial issue"?

While both phrases refer to topics that generate discussion, "lively issue" emphasizes the engagement and energy of the discussion, while "controversial issue" focuses on the presence of strong disagreement and conflicting opinions.