several issues at play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several issues at play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that multiple factors or problems are influencing a situation or outcome. Example: "In this negotiation, there are several issues at play that we need to address before reaching an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While both sides claim there are several issues at play, based on my experience, the dispute really boils down to concerns by the D.E.A. that another federal department is encroaching on its turf.

The New York Times

From a consultant's point of view, there are several issues at play here.

Huffington Post

One of several issues at play in the renewed debate over "junk DNA" is the organizational level at which genomic features might be seen as selected, and thus to exhibit function, as etiologically defined.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

People at the White House say that focusing on a single topic plays to his strength, because he is not especially adept at juggling several issues at a time.

The New York Times

There are several issues at work here.

Los Angeles Times

During a fireside chat session on day two, Johnston Press chief executive Ashley Highfield spoke about several of the issues at play.

The Guardian

Finally, there are important privacy issues at play.18 Several methods can be used to ensure privacy protection, including multistage and role-specific encryption of pseudonymised identifiers, restricted access to variables and small-number disclosure control (see, e.g. Lyons et al. 2014).

Genus

Are there any other issues at play?

Independent

There are also socioeconomic issues at play.

The Guardian - Sport

Or are there other issues at play here?

The New York Times

But there were other issues at play, as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several issues at play", clearly identify and briefly describe the main issues to provide context and clarity for your audience. This helps avoid vagueness and ensures the reader understands the specific factors influencing the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "several issues at play" without specifying what these issues are. Without context, the phrase becomes a vague statement that doesn't provide any meaningful information or insight to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several issues at play" functions as a declarative statement indicating that multiple problems or factors are influencing a particular situation. It's often used to acknowledge complexity before diving into specifics, or when all the influencing factors are not fully understood. Ludwig AI validates that the expression is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several issues at play" is a useful way to acknowledge that a situation is influenced by multiple factors or problems. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and less so in academic or encyclopedic sources. To maximize its effectiveness, specify the issues whenever possible to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "various factors involved" or "multiple elements at work" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Keep in mind that is a phrase that must be supported by contextual information to make it a valuable sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several contributing factors

Highlights the causal relationship of multiple factors on a specific outcome.

various factors involved

Emphasizes the variety of factors contributing to a situation, rather than focusing on the problematic nature of "issues".

multiple elements at work

Highlights the presence of different components influencing an outcome, using a more neutral term than "issues".

complicated factors in the mix

Emphasizes the complex and intertwined nature of factors.

a number of aspects in question

Focuses on the aspects being examined or debated, rather than the direct impact of the "issues".

underlying problems involved

Stresses the existence of deeper, fundamental problems rather than surface-level issues.

various points of contention

Highlights the disagreement or dispute aspect, if the issues are creating conflict.

range of concerns at hand

Emphasizes the worries and anxieties associated with the issues.

different matters under consideration

Emphasizes the formal and deliberative nature of examining multiple issues.

myriad of aspects to consider

Highlights the wide range of aspects, in a more emphatic way than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "several issues at play" in a sentence?

You can use "several issues at play" to indicate that multiple factors are influencing a situation. For example, "In this negotiation, there are "several issues at play" that we need to address before reaching an agreement."

What are some alternatives to "several issues at play"?

Alternatives include phrases like "various factors involved", "multiple elements at work", or "a number of aspects in question", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to specify the issues instead of saying "several issues at play"?

Specifying the issues is generally better for clarity. However, "several issues at play" can be useful as a concise way to acknowledge complexity before delving into specifics, or when the exact nature of all issues is still unfolding.

What's the difference between "several issues at play" and "a complex situation"?

"Several issues at play" highlights the presence of distinct factors influencing a situation, whereas "a complex situation" emphasizes the intricate and interconnected nature of the situation as a whole. While both suggest difficulty, the former points to multiple contributing factors and the latter points to intertwined elements.