main issue for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main issue for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to identify the primary concern or problem related to a specific subject or context. Example: "The main issue for the committee is the lack of funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Time is the main issue for her.

The New York Times

The main issue for them is Pakistani-sponsored terrorism.

The Economist

Wright emphasises that "the main issue for Aboriginal people was always to talk about the future".

The Guardian - Books

The main issue for rural poverty is water availability and water access.

The Guardian

"The main issue for us is not having giants killing us".

The New York Times - Tech

The main issue for me is the getting there and back, not necessarily the being there.

The New York Times

"The main issue for me is that he's strong and pro-life," Ms. Klotz said.

The New York Times

"The main issue for them was how to carry out equitable compensation".

The New York Times

"The main issue for most people is trying to contact their family members.

Independent

"The economy and inflation are the main issue for me," said Farsheed, a 24-year-old bank employee.

The Guardian

The main issue for me as a child was whether my parents loved me or my brother more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main issue for", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant problem or concern in the given context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "main issue for" when the problem is only one of several equally important issues. Instead, use qualifiers like "one key issue" or "a significant concern" to reflect a more nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main issue for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It identifies the principal problem, concern, or challenge relating to a specific subject. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

29%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main issue for" is a common and grammatically correct way to identify the most significant problem or concern related to a specific subject. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects the primary issue, avoiding overstatement when multiple issues exist. Alternatives such as "primary concern for" or "key problem for" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concern for

Focuses on the aspect of concern rather than the issue itself, slightly softening the emphasis.

key problem for

Highlights the problematic aspect, emphasizing a challenge or obstacle.

central question for

Frames the issue as a question needing resolution, suitable for discussions or debates.

core challenge for

Emphasizes the difficulty and complexity of the issue.

major obstacle for

Highlights the hindering aspect of the issue, suggesting something that blocks progress.

principal focus for

Shifts the emphasis to what should be given the most attention.

chief concern for

Similar to primary concern, but perhaps implying a slightly higher level of anxiety or worry.

biggest challenge for

Emphasizes the scale of the problem, indicating a significant difficulty.

fundamental problem for

Indicates an issue that is basic and foundational, affecting other aspects.

critical matter for

Highlights the importance and urgency of the issue, suggesting it needs immediate attention.

FAQs

How can I use "main issue for" in a sentence?

The phrase "main issue for" is used to highlight the most important problem or concern relating to a specific person, group, or situation. For instance, "The "main issue for" the company is declining sales" indicates that low sales are the company's biggest problem.

What are some alternatives to "main issue for"?

You can use alternatives like "primary concern for", "key problem for", or "central question for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "main issue for" in formal writing?

Yes, "main issue for" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. In highly formal or academic settings, alternatives such as "principal focus for" or "fundamental problem for" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "main issue for" and "one of the main issues for"?

"Main issue for" indicates the single most important problem, while "one of the main issues for" suggests that there are multiple significant problems. Using "one of the main issues for" implies that other issues are also highly important, whereas "main issue for" emphasizes a singular, overriding concern.