main issue of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main issue of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the primary topic or concern related to a particular subject or situation. Example: "The main issue of the debate was the impact of climate change on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Jerusalem is a main issue of dispute.

The New York Times

The main issue of disagreement is economic policy.

The Guardian

It also echoes the main issue of our time: the tension between cultures.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fortunes of Richard Nixon were never the main issue of the impeachment proceedings.

The New Yorker

Her opponent, Ms Hochul, has made Medicare the main issue of her campaign.

The Economist

Commercial policy was the main issue of the general election of 1878.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The main issue of political debate in late 19th-century Italy was land ownership.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thanks to Gilligan's determination to cut a dash, national attention has been diverted from the main issue of the day.

The Guardian

Afterward, I decided to make conflict resolution and cooperation in the animal world my main issue of research.

The New York Times - Science

The main issue of the Baltic Sea is eutrophication, caused by its excessive nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) load.

The Guardian

Morgan's goal, which kept the match from ending in a penalty-kick shootout, settled the main issue of the evening.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main issue of", ensure that the context clearly establishes the subject to which the issue pertains. For instance, "The main issue of the project is funding" provides a clear relationship between the issue and the project.

Common error

Avoid using "main issue of" without clearly specifying what the issue relates to. Ambiguous phrasing can confuse readers. Instead of saying "The main issue is important", specify, for example, "The main issue of the budget proposal is the allocation of resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main issue of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies the central or most significant problem or topic within a given context. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main issue of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the most important problem, topic, or point in a particular context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across diverse registers. Its frequent appearance in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias demonstrates its wide applicability. When using "main issue of", it is essential to ensure clear contextualization to avoid ambiguity, as emphasized in the writing guidance. Related phrases, such as "primary concern regarding", "key topic of", and "central point of", offer nuanced alternatives for conveying specific aspects of the core problem or focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concern regarding

This alternative highlights the element of worry or importance attached to the issue.

key topic of

This alternative emphasizes the subject or matter that is most significant for discussion or consideration.

central point of

This alternative emphasizes the focal or most important part of something.

core problem with

This alternative specifically refers to the fundamental difficulty or challenge associated with something.

chief difficulty in

This emphasizes the principal challenge or obstacle.

principal matter of

This alternative highlights the most important or significant subject under consideration.

primary focus on

This phrase indicates the main area of attention or concentration.

overriding theme in

This emphasizes the most dominant or important idea or subject.

fundamental question regarding

This focuses on the essential or basic inquiry that needs to be addressed.

essential element of

This highlights the indispensable or crucial component of something.

FAQs

What does "main issue of" mean?

The phrase "main issue of" refers to the most important problem, topic, or point of contention within a particular context or situation.

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

You can use "main issue of" to introduce the central problem or point. For example, "The "main issue of" the negotiation was reaching a consensus on pricing".

What are some alternatives to "main issue of"?

Some alternatives to "main issue of" include "primary concern regarding", "key topic of", or "central point of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "main issue of" or "major issue of"?

Both "main issue of" and "major issue of" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations. "Main" often implies centrality, while "major" emphasizes significance.