overall issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overall issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a broad problem or topic that encompasses several related matters. For example, "The overall issue of climate change requires a unified response from countries around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The play addresses the overall issue very briefly.

The New York Times

"It's all because of the overall issue of biotech.

The New York Times

But the overall issue of preparedness remains the same.

The New York Times

The overall issue involving movie money is what that money buys in production.

The New Yorker

General concern about the mechanics seems to be confusing the overall issue.

The New York Times - Sports

"The overall issue was the money and the lack of in-house expertise to do this," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This chapter reviews key overall issues in airport planning.

The Independent Airport Planning Manual

"There should be an industry group that discusses overall issues around data and privacy with political actors.

The New York Times

This site-based approach provides detailed information on acid hotspots, but provides limited understanding of the overall issues affecting the broader coastal floodplain.

Ecological Engineering

To be clear, general assessments mapping out overall issues of concern and specific assessments analysing in-depth specific problem areas are of course crucial to the formation of a policy-supporting knowledge base.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Both those that reviewed overall issues of medication adherence in osteoporosis and those that focused specifically on adherence to bisphosphonates were included, as were articles that addressed strategies for overcoming nonadherence.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overall issue", ensure the context clearly defines the specific aspects encompassed within the broader topic. For instance, instead of just stating the "overall issue" is climate change, specify which facets you're addressing, such as rising sea levels or extreme weather events.

Common error

Avoid using "overall issue" as a placeholder for clear, specific problem identification. Instead of saying "The overall issue needs addressing", pinpoint the precise problem, like "Lack of funding is hindering research progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overall issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it refers to a broad problem or topic that encompasses several related matters. For example, "The overall issue was the money and the lack of in-house expertise to do this."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overall issue" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a broad topic or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. It is frequently found in news and media, science, and business contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the encompassed aspects are well-defined to avoid vagueness. Consider alternative phrases such as "main concern" or "central problem" to fine-tune your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central problem

Focuses on the core difficulty rather than a broad subject.

underlying problem

Highlights a less obvious, fundamental difficulty.

main concern

Emphasizes the element of worry or importance attached to the problem.

overarching theme

Emphasizes the inclusive and dominant nature of the topic.

fundamental challenge

Highlights the difficult nature of issue, suggesting a need to overcome it.

key question

Highlights the interrogative aspect, focusing on what needs to be answered.

primary focus

Stresses the area of greatest attention or effort.

chief subject

Indicates the main topic under discussion or consideration.

general matter

Indicates a broad subject without necessarily implying a problem.

broad theme

Refers to a recurring subject or idea, often in artistic or intellectual contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "overall issue" to refer to a broad problem or topic. For example: "The "overall issue" of climate change requires a unified global response."

What's a good alternative to "overall issue"?

Alternatives to "overall issue" include "main concern", "central problem", or "key question" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "overall issue"?

It's appropriate to use "overall issue" when you want to address a subject that has multiple facets or is a combination of related problems. Ensure that you provide context or examples to clarify the specific aspects you are referring to.

Is "overall issue" formal or informal language?

"Overall issue" is considered neutral language, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the specific audience.