she has issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'she has issues' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe someone dealing with psychological, emotional, or relational problems. For example: "She has been acting differently lately - I think she has issues she's not telling me about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Needless to say, she has issues.

The New York Times

As well as being bubbly and impossibly impulsive, Summer incorporates another recurring characteristic: she " has issues".

The Guardian - Film

She has issues, but men, happily and perhaps debatably given what her profession turns out to be, don't number among them.

The New York Times

For another, she has issues of her own: specifically, a pain-killer addiction that she feeds with her own prescription pad.

Huffington Post

But then there's a pre-sentence investigation during which the office of probation looks into the offender to see if he or she has issues of substance abuse or a prior record, among other things.

Vice

In Joanne's words, "Once you hit 40, it's automatically assumed 'She has issues, or something is wrong with her, or she's selfish, or she didn't get married due to her career, or she must hate men, or she lives a sad and lonely existence.' It's the image of the 'old spinster' with a house full of cats.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Cheney notwithstanding, she has issued orders that Midwestern power plants reduce emissions.

The New York Times - Magazine

She has issued a 10-point code of conduct for the unruly metropolis.

The New York Times

She has issued an online invitation to the awards ceremony in Oslo to 143 Chinese activists, academics and celebrities, but they have been denied permission to travel.

The New York Times

She has issued a Letters Patent, which removes an anomaly that has been in place since 1917.

BBC

After remaining mostly in the background for decades, she has issued several statements as the "co-owner" of the team.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific language if possible to provide greater clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "she has issues", you might say "she is struggling with anxiety".

Common error

Avoid using "she has issues" as a blanket statement to dismiss someone's feelings or experiences. Recognize that the phrase can be dismissive, and people's struggles can be multifaceted and require empathy and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she has issues" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a female individual possesses problems or difficulties. This is supported by Ludwig's AI, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used to imply psychological, emotional, or relational problems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she has issues" is a common way to indicate that someone is experiencing personal problems or difficulties. While grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's important to be mindful of the context and potential negative connotations. Ludwig examples showcase its use in news, media and wiki articles. Alternatives such as "she is struggling with problems" or "she is facing challenges" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Overgeneralizing or using the phrase dismissively should be avoided. The expression has an informal register, though it appears in various contexts. Its frequency is uncommon, suggesting it's not the most ubiquitous phrase but still recognizable and understandable. Be conscious of how the phrase may be received and opt for clearer, more empathetic language when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she is struggling with problems

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing nature of the problems and the effort required to deal with them.

she is dealing with difficulties

This focuses on the act of managing and handling difficult situations or problems.

she is facing challenges

This highlights the confrontational aspect of dealing with problems, suggesting obstacles to overcome.

she is experiencing difficulties

This emphasizes the subjective experience of going through difficult times.

she has personal problems

This alternative directly states the existence of problems related to personal life or well-being.

she is going through a tough time

This phrase suggests a temporary period of hardship or difficulty.

she has emotional baggage

This metaphor suggests unresolved emotional issues from the past.

she carries burdens

This emphasizes the weight and responsibility associated with her problems.

she is wrestling with inner demons

This uses figurative language to suggest internal, psychological struggles.

she is grappling with her past

This focuses specifically on the struggle to come to terms with past experiences.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "she has issues"?

When someone says "she has issues", it typically means they believe she is dealing with some personal problems, difficulties, or unresolved emotional baggage. The phrase is often used to imply that these problems are affecting her behavior or relationships.

What are some less judgmental ways to say "she has issues"?

Instead of saying "she has issues", consider alternatives like "she is struggling with problems", "she is dealing with difficulties", or "she is facing challenges" to express concern without sounding dismissive.

Is it appropriate to say "she has issues" in a formal setting?

In formal settings, it's generally best to avoid using the phrase "she has issues" as it can be seen as informal and potentially disrespectful. Opt for more professional and specific language to describe the situation.

What's the difference between saying "she has issues" and "she is working through something"?

Saying "she has issues" can sound somewhat negative and imply unresolved problems. In contrast, "she is working through something" suggests a process of growth and healing, focusing on her active effort to overcome difficulties.