main issue is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main issue is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce the primary concern or topic of discussion in a conversation or text. Example: "The main issue is that we need to address the budget constraints before moving forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The main issue is money.

The Economist

The main issue is health, not jobs.

The New York Times

The main issue is keeping them in.

The Guardian

The main issue is class conflict among African-American families.

The New York Times

The main issue is how to save East Jerusalem.

The New York Times

The main issue is the long-term deficit.

The New York Times

The main issue is what works best for the family.

The New York Times

The main issue is a neurological one, Haldane suggests.

The New Yorker

The main issue is making it cost-efficient".

The New York Times

In Canada, the main issue is not illegal immigrants.

The Economist

Cyprus apart, the main issue is Europe's own economic travail.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "main issue is" to transition into a detailed explanation or analysis of the primary problem or concern.

Common error

Avoid stating "main issue is" without immediately following up with specific details or evidence. A vague statement weakens the impact and may confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main issue is" serves as a declarative phrase, primarily functioning to introduce and identify the central problem or concern within a discussion or text. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is commonly used to highlight the most important aspect of a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main issue is" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce the central problem or concern in a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse fields such as news, science, and formal business settings. While its register is generally neutral, it’s important to provide specific details following the phrase to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider using synonyms like "primary concern" or "key problem" for added emphasis, depending on the context. Always ensure that the statement clearly introduces the core of the topic being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concern is

Replaces "issue" with "concern" and "main" with "primary", emphasizing the importance of the concern.

key problem is

Substitutes "issue" with "problem" and "main" with "key", highlighting the significance of the problem.

central question is

Focuses on the "question" aspect of the issue, framing it as a core inquiry.

core challenge is

Emphasizes the "challenge" aspect, suggesting a difficulty that needs to be overcome.

fundamental problem lies in

Highlights the location of the fundamental issue.

chief difficulty is

Replaces "main" with "chief" and "issue" with "difficulty", focusing on the major impediment.

overriding factor is

Implies that there are many possible factors, but emphasizes which one is more relevant.

biggest obstacle is

Focuses on the obstacle that need to be overcome.

real crux of the matter is

Highlights what is vital to solve and deal with.

essential element is

Focuses on the necessary condition.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "main issue is"?

You can use alternatives like "primary concern is", "key problem is", or "central question is" depending on the context.

How to use "main issue is" in a sentence?

You can use "main issue is" to introduce the most important problem or aspect of a topic. For example, "The main issue is the lack of funding for the project".

What's the difference between "main issue is" and "major issue is"?

"Main issue is" and "major issue is" are very similar. "Major issue is" emphasizes the significance of the issue, while "main issue is" identifies the central or most important issue.

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

Yes, "main issue is" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider stronger synonyms like "primary concern" or "fundamental problem" for added emphasis in certain contexts.