obvious issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"obvious issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are describing a problem that is clear to the person you are addressing. For example: "The obvious issue with this situation is that we don't have enough supplies to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One obvious issue is expense.

The Guardian - Books

Fluvial and marine flooding is an all too obvious issue.

The Economist

Still, Mr. Hennon said, the wolf's impact on livestock "is becoming an obvious issue".

The New York Times

Mr. Webb said there was no obvious issue with the company's unionized work force.

The New York Times

Even then, there was an obvious issue of quality control, not to speak of the contradictions.

The Guardian - Opinion

The obvious issue with her article is that everyone noted made the right decisions and enjoyed a comfortable life.

The New York Times - Health

But that was an ideological quibble, not a response to an obvious issue with naval command and control.

The New York Times

We talk about the obvious issue of closure, and now, nearly 20 years later, both Mary and James are ambivalent.

The Guardian

Noise pollution from jets is only the obvious issue; air pollution from the engines is downright insidious.

The New York Times

In a city where 40percentt of the population is under the age of 18, education is an obvious issue.

The New York Times

Apart from the obvious issue as to whether individuals can afford to put money away – up to £11,280 this year – the market has changed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obvious issue", ensure the context makes the issue genuinely apparent to your audience. Avoid stating the seemingly obvious if it adds no value to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious issue" to introduce trivial points or information that the audience already knows. Instead, focus on providing new insights or solutions related to the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious issue" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "obvious" modifies the noun "issue". It's used to identify and highlight a problem or matter that is easily recognized or apparent, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to point out a problem or challenge that is easily recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. With its frequent use in news media, science, and business, the phrase maintains a neutral register. When writing, ensure that the issue is indeed apparent to your audience to avoid redundancy. Consider related phrases like "clear problem" or "evident concern" for variety. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "obvious issue" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", emphasizing the problematic nature.

evident concern

Substitutes "obvious" with "evident" and "issue" with "concern", highlighting the worry associated with the matter.

apparent difficulty

Uses "apparent" and "difficulty" to convey a problem that is easily perceived.

plain matter

Simplifies the phrase to indicate a straightforward and easily understood issue.

noticeable challenge

Emphasizes the challenge that is easily noticed or observed.

unmistakable question

Highlights the certainty of the issue, framing it as a question that cannot be missed.

self-evident snag

Uses a more informal term, "snag", to refer to a problem that is self-evident.

manifest predicament

Replaces with a more formal "manifest predicament", indicating a clearly revealed difficult situation.

patent shortcoming

Uses "patent shortcoming", a more technical term to refer to a clear weakness or deficiency.

transparent complexity

Highlights the clear or transparent nature of the complex situation.

FAQs

How can I use "obvious issue" in a sentence?

You can use "obvious issue" to point out a problem that is easily noticeable. For example, "The "obvious issue" with the current plan is the lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to "obvious issue"?

Alternatives include "clear problem", "evident concern", or "apparent difficulty", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious issue"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very obvious issue" can be redundant. The term "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using simply ""obvious issue"".

How formal is the phrase "obvious issue"?

The phrase ""obvious issue"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and everyday conversations.