point at issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"point at issue" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the main or most important aspect or topic being discussed or debated in a conversation, discussion, or argument. Example: In the court case, the prosecutor and defense attorney had different perspectives on the point at issue - whether the defendant's actions were intentional or accidental. In our team meeting, we need to stay focused on the point at issue and not get sidetracked by irrelevant details.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that may not be the point at issue here.

The Economist

Yet there is a serious point at issue.

The Economist

THE main point at issue occurs in the first paragraph.

Nature

But what he actually does with his money is the real point at issue.

The New Yorker

The point at issue in the controversy was the future role of the trade unions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Possibly so, but this is hardly the only point at issue.

The Guardian

These are the subject of the presented paper showing also the complexness of the point at issue.

Construction and Building Materials

House, by contrast, was a six-page opinion with substantive discussion on the point at issue here.

Cornell University

It is true that the eligibility as Queen of a twice-divorced woman was the point at issue.

The New York Times

A. Indeed, the point at issue is a certain form of discussing the German issue by the six mentioned states.

The New York Times

The point at issue is that it is becoming increasingly difficult for BA to press for staff to leave voluntarily.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "point at issue", ensure the context is clear. Briefly summarize the background to provide clarity for your audience.

Common error

While "point at issue" is a valid phrase, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "core concern" or "central argument" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point at issue" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies the central matter or disagreement being discussed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used correctly and commonly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point at issue" is a versatile noun phrase used to highlight the main aspect of a discussion or argument. It is grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig. While synonyms like "central question" and "core concern" can add variety, "point at issue" is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. The phrase helps maintain focus and clarity, making it an effective tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crux of the matter

Identifies the essential or decisive part.

central question

Focuses on the question rather than the general issue.

central argument

Highlights the main point being argued.

core concern

Emphasizes the underlying worry or anxiety.

heart of the problem

Indicates the fundamental difficulty.

chief concern

Emphasizes the highest-priority worry or consideration.

main contention

Highlights the disagreement or dispute.

key question

Focuses specifically on the question rather than the overall issue.

primary focus

Emphasizes what is being primarily concentrated on.

principal theme

Highlights the overarching subject or topic.

FAQs

How can I use "point at issue" in a sentence?

Use "point at issue" to identify the most important aspect or topic of a discussion or debate. For example, "The "crux of the matter" is whether the company can afford the new project".

What can I say instead of "point at issue"?

You can use alternatives like "central question", "core concern", or "main contention" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "point at issue" or "issue at hand"?

Both phrases are correct, but "point at issue" often refers to a specific item of disagreement, while "issue at hand" refers to the general problem or situation being discussed.

What's the difference between "point at issue" and "topic of discussion"?

"Point at issue" typically refers to a specific matter of disagreement or concern, while "topic of discussion" is a broader term that simply indicates what is being talked about.