look at the issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look at the issues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing problems or topics that require attention or consideration. Example: "In our meeting, we need to look at the issues surrounding the budget cuts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Looking past party biases and one-sidedness allows students to really take a look at the issues at hand.

Huffington Post

"We hope the commission will look at the issues".

The New York Times

Look at the issues which dominate politics today - issues like migration, or trade agreements.

The Guardian

She just needs to look at the issues and it's real simple.

The New Yorker

How does fiction allow you to look at the issues of identity and allegiance?

The New Yorker

"Take a step back from the facts and look at the issues from different angles.

The Guardian

We're obviously going to look at the issues that are confronting this administration.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is it time we took a more balanced look at the issues?

The Guardian

Here is a look at the issues to be argued over three days this week in this extraordinary case.

The New York Times

I look at the issues, qualifications and positions of the candidates before deciding for whom to vote.

The New York Times

She told The Independent on Sunday: "We are prepared to look at the issues around the euro.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain a formal tone, especially in academic writing, consider using synonyms like "examine", "analyze", or "investigate" in place of "look at".

Common error

While "look at the issues" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound simplistic. Diversify your vocabulary by incorporating more sophisticated terms like "scrutinize", "evaluate", or "appraise" to enhance the perceived depth of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look at the issues" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce or suggest an examination of specific topics or problems. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look at the issues" is a common phrase used to suggest examining or considering specific topics, problems, or concerns. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news media and general discussions. While versatile, it tends toward informality, and more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. When using the phrase, clarity is key: define the issues you're referring to for maximum impact. The phrase is considered usable in written English by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine the problems

Replaces "look at" with a more formal verb, focusing on the challenges.

consider the challenges

Emphasizes thoughtful consideration rather than a simple viewing.

analyze the matters

Suggests a more in-depth and analytical approach.

address the concerns

Highlights the act of dealing with specific worries or points of interest.

investigate the questions

Implies a more thorough and formal inquiry into the subject.

explore the themes

Focuses on identifying and discussing recurring ideas or motifs.

review the subjects

Suggests a formal assessment or re-examination of the topics.

assess the situations

Emphasizes evaluating circumstances or contexts.

study the factors

Implies a careful and detailed examination of contributing elements.

delve into the subjects

Suggests a deep and thorough investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "look at the issues" in a sentence?

You can use "look at the issues" to introduce a discussion or analysis of important topics. For example, "We need to look at the issues surrounding climate change".

What are some alternatives to "look at the issues"?

Alternatives include "examine the problems", "consider the challenges", or "analyze the matters", depending on the level of formality and depth of analysis required.

Is "look at the issues" suitable for academic writing?

While understandable, "look at the issues" might be perceived as informal in academic writing. More formal options such as "investigate the questions" or "review the subjects" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "look at the issues" and "address the concerns"?

"Look at the issues" is a general call to examine topics, while "address the concerns" specifically suggests taking action to resolve problems or alleviate worries.