making an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of creating or highlighting a problem or concern in a discussion or situation. Example: "By constantly bringing up the same topic, he is making an issue out of something that could be easily resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We're going to be making an issue of how she treated her workers".

The New York Times

But some of this year's candidates in other races are making an issue of it.

The New York Times

"I think the journalists are making an issue that is not really an issue.

The Guardian - Film

But making an issue of these properties may not help Mr. Bolaños.

The New York Times

Without making an issue of it, she quietly received several shots to kill the pain.

The New York Times - Sports

"Probably we wouldn't be disposed to making an issue out of it," Mr. Levine said.

The New York Times

You and Cheney have been making an issue of military preparedness.

The New York Times

Some Democrats are already making an issue of the new rules.

The New York Times

But no one seems to be making an issue of the other spring training injuries.

The New York Times

He's going to keep making an issue of this, I promise you.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She says she wasn't making "an issue-based film"; it's supposed to be just "psychological horror".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the tone when using this phrase. It can sometimes imply that the issue being raised is unwarranted or exaggerated. Ensure your intent is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

While "making an issue" is acceptable in various settings, avoid using it excessively in informal conversations, as it can come across as confrontational or overly critical. Opt for simpler expressions like "mentioning something" or "bringing something up" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making an issue" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the action of creating or emphasizing a problem. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making an issue" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe the act of creating or highlighting a problem. According to Ludwig, it is correct and applicable in various contexts. While the phrase is widely used, it's important to be mindful of its potential to imply that the issue is being exaggerated or unwarranted. As demonstrated by the provided examples, it appears frequently in News & Media, highlighting its relevance in public discourse. When writing, consider whether alternative phrasings, such as "raising a concern" or "highlighting a difficulty", might be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raising a concern

This alternative focuses on the act of bringing attention to a worry or problem.

creating a problem

This alternative emphasizes the act of generating a difficulty.

highlighting a difficulty

This alternative focuses on emphasizing the existence of a challenge.

drawing attention to

This alternative means to cause something to be noticed.

blowing out of proportion

This alternative suggests exaggerating the importance of something.

nitpicking

This alternative refers to focusing on minor faults or details.

fussing over

This alternative suggests excessive concern or worry about something.

magnifying the importance

This alternative refers to increasing the significance or impact of something.

emphasizing the negative

This alternative highlights a focus on unfavorable aspects.

calling attention to

This alternative focuses on pointing out something that may otherwise be overlooked.

FAQs

What does it mean to "make an issue" of something?

To "make an issue" of something means to create or highlight a problem or concern, often implying that the issue is being given more attention than it warrants.

What can I say instead of "making an issue" of something?

You can use alternatives like "raising a concern", "highlighting a problem", or "drawing attention to" depending on the context.

Is "making an issue out of" something different from "making an issue" of something?

While both phrases are similar, "making an issue out of" something often implies that the problem is being exaggerated or blown out of proportion compared to simply "making an issue" of something.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "making an issue"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe the act of bringing attention to a problem or concern, especially when you perceive that the attention might be excessive or unnecessary. Be mindful of the connotations to avoid unintended negativity.