outstanding issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstanding issues" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to unresolved matters or problems that need to be addressed. For example: "We must address the outstanding issues before we can move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were no outstanding issues".

The New York Times - Sports

Even so, all the outstanding issues remain.

The Economist

Three outstanding issues are blocking progress.

The New York Times

"One of the outstanding issues is price".

The New York Times

So there remain only two outstanding issues.

The Guardian

"There are no outstanding issues on our side".

The New York Times

He will work had to resolve the outstanding issues.

The Guardian

Good progress last 24 hours but still outstanding issues".

The Guardian

Senators said they would continue to work on outstanding issues.

The New York Times

He admitted there were outstanding issues with the US.

The Guardian

Unlike the other outstanding issues, it is hard to see where it's going to end".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outstanding issues", ensure the context clearly defines what these issues are. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding issues" without providing context. Readers might not understand what the issues are if they are not explicitly mentioned or easily inferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding issues" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to unresolved matters that require attention. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outstanding issues" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to unresolved problems or matters. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its frequent usage across news, scientific, and business contexts. To ensure clarity, it's essential to provide specific context when using this phrase. Alternatives like ""unresolved matters"" or ""pending problems"" may be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for formal communication. Remembering these guidelines will help you use "outstanding issues" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unresolved matters

Focuses on the 'matters' that have not been resolved, shifting the emphasis slightly from 'issues'.

pending problems

Highlights the 'problems' that are awaiting resolution, suggesting a sense of urgency.

remaining questions

Emphasizes the 'questions' that still need to be answered, suitable when uncertainty is central.

lingering concerns

Stresses the 'concerns' that persist, indicating a more emotional or apprehensive tone.

open questions

Highlights the 'questions' that remain, focusing on items that are explicitly asked.

unfinished business

Uses a more idiomatic expression, implying tasks or matters that must be completed.

unsettled points

Draws attention to specific 'points' of disagreement or uncertainty that have yet to be settled.

outstanding debts

Focuses on the 'debts' that are not settled, changing the context to a financial scenario.

unaddressed items

Highlights the 'items' that have not been addressed, focusing on pending problems.

unresolved conflicts

Emphasizes 'conflicts' that are not settled, changing the context to disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "outstanding issues" in a sentence?

You can use "outstanding issues" to refer to unresolved matters or problems, such as: "We need to address the "outstanding issues" before finalizing the agreement."

What are some alternatives to "outstanding issues"?

Alternatives include "unresolved matters", "pending problems", or "remaining questions", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "outstanding issues" in formal writing?

Yes, "outstanding issues" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly used in business, academic, and news contexts.

What's the difference between "outstanding issues" and "unresolved issues"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Outstanding issues" may slightly emphasize that the issues are still 'out there' waiting to be dealt with, while "unresolved issues" focuses on the lack of resolution.