nagging issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nagging issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a persistent problem or concern that continues to bother or trouble someone. Example: "The nagging issue of budget overruns has been a constant source of stress for the project manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Energy experts say that while Astoria No. 2 is different from the 12 other plant proposals, which call for either new construction or expanding capacity at existing facilities, it also underlines the central nagging issue of the electricity debate: When the new, cleaner plants start up, can anyone really be sure that the older, dirtier ones will really fade away?

The New York Times

The company has had a huge nagging issue with its user growth, which has effectively stalled.

TechCrunch

That nagging issue is presumably part of the decision to cast Hawkins as the lead in 24: Legacy.

Vice

It is the same nagging issue that sharply reduced the majority the competent mayor should have received after two successful terms.

Huffington Post

There is one nagging issue: pricing.

The New York Times

Indeed, unreliable or incompatible scanner technology remains a nagging issue for chip providers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Nets momentarily solved some nagging issues Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

There are few solutions to so many nagging issues.

The New York Times - Sports

Mercifully, 1945 marked a real break with that 30-year crisis, but the nagging issues remain.

The Guardian

The other big promise of CC is that it will be subject to frequent updates to address just do its (JDIs) to improve features and address nagging issues, and that kind of stuff might not make it through to pirated versions, so it's early yet to say definitively what kind of impact going all-subscription will have on long-term piracy rates.

TechCrunch

Then there is the nagging, ongoing issue of the slot that he fills.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nagging issue", ensure that the context clearly establishes the persistence and bothersome nature of the problem. This phrase is most effective when the issue has been present for some time and continues to be a concern.

Common error

While "nagging issue" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can diminish its impact. Consider using more formal alternatives like "persistent problem" or "unresolved challenge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nagging issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "nagging" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "issue". It describes a specific kind of issue that is persistent and bothersome. This is supported by Ludwig AI, as it is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nagging issue" effectively describes a persistent and bothersome problem, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While acceptable in general writing, it's essential to consider the register and choose more formal alternatives like "persistent problem" or "unresolved challenge" for academic or professional settings. Remember that the key to using "nagging issue" effectively is to emphasize the issue's ongoing nature and the frustration it causes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent problem

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the problem without necessarily implying annoyance.

ongoing concern

Highlights the continuous worry associated with the matter.

lingering question

Focuses on an unresolved question that remains present.

unresolved problem

Stresses the lack of a solution to the issue.

recurring difficulty

Highlights the repeated nature of the challenge.

vexing question

Indicates a question that causes irritation or annoyance.

troublesome matter

Focuses on the problematic aspect of the situation.

perennial challenge

Emphasizes the long-lasting and recurring nature of the challenge.

chronic problem

Highlights the long-term and persistent nature of the problem, often suggesting it is difficult to resolve.

lingering difficulty

Focuses on a difficulty that remains present and is slow to disappear.

FAQs

What does "nagging issue" mean?

A "nagging issue" refers to a persistent problem or concern that continues to bother or trouble someone. It implies that the issue is not easily resolved and keeps returning or lingering.

What can I say instead of "nagging issue"?

You can use alternatives like "persistent problem", "ongoing concern", or "lingering question" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "nagging issue" in formal writing?

While "nagging issue" is grammatically correct, it may be perceived as slightly informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "persistent problem" or "unresolved challenge" to maintain a professional tone.

How to use "nagging issue" in a sentence?

You can use "nagging issue" in a sentence like this: "The "nagging issue" of budget overruns has been a constant source of stress for the project manager."