on an issue of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on an issue of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific topic or matter that requires attention or consideration. Example: "The committee met to deliberate on an issue of great importance to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Clearly Obama couldn't bring his own most enthusiastic supporters to back him on an issue of national security," one supporter said.

The New York Times

Comment on an issue of THE NEW YORKER found in the cellar of the Berchtesgaden.

The New Yorker

"It's not often that you see such widespread support on an issue of this importance".

The New York Times

On an issue of this important, they certainly should avoid any appearance of doing so.

Independent

And a new referendum will hinge on an issue of principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's pretty remarkable on an issue of such import and involving such an important ally.

The Washington Post

I wouldn't want to spend the taxpayers' money on an issue of that nature".

The New York Times

"No, they should back their prime minister on an issue of principle for him".

The Guardian

Sometimes, though, a vote takes place on an issue of principle and conviction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Article 267 permits a national court to make a preliminary reference to the CJEU on an issue of EU law.

Columbia University

They have bluntly accused him of failing to offer the country adult leadership on an issue of grave concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on an issue of" when you want to introduce a specific problem, topic, or subject that is under consideration or discussion. For example: "The committee focused their discussion on an issue of public safety."

Common error

While "on an issue of" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "regarding", "concerning", or "about" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on an issue of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It introduces the subject or topic under consideration, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

27%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on an issue of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a specific topic or problem under discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, academic, and professional settings. While simple and direct, overuse can lead to monotony, so consider employing synonyms such as "regarding a matter of" or "concerning a topic of" for variety. The phrase’s frequency and contextual appropriateness underscore its reliability as a communication tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding a matter of

Replaces "on an issue" with "regarding a matter", offering a more formal tone.

concerning a topic of

Substitutes "on an issue" with "concerning a topic", emphasizing the subject under discussion.

with respect to a subject of

Offers a more formal and distanced perspective, replacing "on an issue" with "with respect to a subject".

in relation to a question of

Focuses on the relationship to a specific question, rather than a general issue.

pertaining to a problem of

Highlights the relevance to a specific problem, rather than a broad issue.

in connection with a theme of

Suggests a link or association with a particular theme.

dealing with a subject of

Emphasizes the act of addressing or handling a particular subject.

about a concern of

Replaces "issue" with "concern", highlighting the element of worry or apprehension.

regarding a challenge of

Focuses on addressing challenges rather than just general issues.

concerning an aspect of

Highlights a specific aspect or element within a broader topic.

FAQs

How can I use "on an issue of" in a sentence?

Use "on an issue of" to introduce a specific topic or problem being discussed. For example, "The board members deliberated on an issue of financial stability."

What are some alternatives to "on an issue of"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding a matter of", "concerning a topic of", or simply "about" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "on an issue of", or can I use a simpler preposition?

In many cases, a simpler preposition like "on" or "about" is sufficient and can make your writing more concise. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and precision.

Which is correct: "on an issue of" or "on the issue of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "on the issue of" is slightly more formal and specific. "On an issue of" is generally used when referring to a more general or less defined topic, while "on the issue of" points to a specific, known problem.