substantial issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial issue" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large or important problem that needs to be addressed. For example, “The board of directors are debating a substantial issue: whether or not to close the regional branch.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It means we have a substantial issue likely to result in reversal," she said.

The New York Times

"So when you have 500 or 1,000 people who are misallocated, it's a fairly substantial issue.

The New York Times

She was an unpopular politician and failed to defend the poor or hold any remarkable stand on any substantial issue.

The Economist

While no one keeps state-by-state numbers on parole backlogs, Mr. Mauer said, "nobody here is aware of that being a substantial issue in other states".

The New York Times

"It's probably the most substantial issue" facing Internet broadcasters, said Dave Goldberg, vice president and general manager for music at Yahoo, which operates a Web music service.

The New York Times

Sexual behaviour, therefore, became a substantial issue between him and his converts, and for that reason his letters frequently refer to sexual ethics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Justice DiNoto ruled that the "evidence was sufficient to raise a substantial issue as to whether the stated reason for singling out Nassau and New York City for Article 18 treatment was, and continues to be, rational".

The New York Times

"This is the place where the administration made a clear decision that it can get something done with or without Congress, and it can do something politically on a substantial issue".

The Guardian

For a supposedly savvy woman, our protagonist seems alarmingly unwilling to question the processes that led to this less-than-positive experience, or to probe beyond her own navel into any substantial issue surrounding pregnancy.

The New York Times - Books

The court is often asked to intervene at the last minute in death cases, and does so infrequently, and only when the justices think the case raises a substantial issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not a truly substantial issue, but it bothered me.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial issue", ensure the context clearly indicates the magnitude or importance of the matter being discussed. Use it to signal that the topic requires serious attention or action.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial issue" for minor or trivial matters. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and diminish the perceived importance of genuinely significant problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial issue" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "issue". It serves to identify a problem or topic that is significant in size, importance, or effect, as indicated by Ludwig AI. This is confirmed by examples where it signifies matters requiring serious consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to highlight the significance of a problem or topic. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for use in written English when emphasizing a matter of considerable importance. Its prevalence across diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias underscores its versatility and broad applicability. While it maintains a neutral to professional register, ensuring clarity and avoiding overstatement will maximize its impact. When similar expressions are needed, consider alternatives like "significant problem" or "major concern".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", emphasizing the problematic nature of the situation.

significant challenge

Similar to "critical challenge", it underscores the difficulty involved.

major concern

Shifts the focus to the anxiety or worry associated with the issue.

serious matter

Highlights the gravity and potential consequences of the issue.

critical challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and importance of overcoming the obstacle.

considerable question

Focuses on the uncertainty and need for further investigation.

pressing question

Highlights the urgency and immediacy of the need for resolution.

notable difficulty

Highlights the prominent or easily observed aspect of the difficulty.

important subject

Shifts the emphasis to the relevance and worthiness of attention.

large-scale problem

Emphasizes the scope and widespread impact of the issue.

FAQs

What does "substantial issue" mean?

A "substantial issue" refers to a significant or considerable problem, topic, or question that warrants attention and often requires action. It implies that the matter is not trivial and has a notable impact.

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

You can use "substantial issue" to highlight the importance of a topic, such as, "The company's financial stability is a "substantial issue" that needs immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "substantial issue"?

You can use alternatives like "significant problem", "major concern", or "serious matter" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial issue" in informal conversation?

While "substantial issue" is generally suitable for formal or neutral contexts, it can be used in informal conversations as well, especially when discussing significant or serious matters. However, simpler alternatives might be preferred depending on the audience.