the core issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"the core issue" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a main problem, conflict, or concern. You might use a phrase like this in a sentence like, "After several hours of deliberation, it became clear that the core issue was a lack of communication between the two sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's the core issue?

The Guardian

"That is the core issue".

The New York Times

That's the core issue here".

The New York Times

This is the core issue.

The Guardian

"Kashmir is the core issue".

The New York Times

Culture is the core issue.

The Guardian

What's the core issue today?

MIT Technology Review

And it would skirt the core issue.

The New York Times

"The core issue will be terrorism".

The New York Times

He added, "This is the core issue.

The New Yorker

"That is not the core issue here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "the core issue" with specific actions or solutions to demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "the core issue" as a vague substitute for specific problems. Always provide enough context for readers to understand the exact nature of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the core issue" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the central or most important problem or subject under consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the core issue" serves as a noun phrase used to identify the most important problem or subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, appearing frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, remember to define the issue clearly and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "the central problem" and "the key question". The phrase’s neutral register makes it suitable for various audiences, aiming to pinpoint the fundamental aspect of a situation that needs to be addressed. The phrase appears frequently, demostrating its widespread acceptance in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect, highlighting the main difficulty.

the key question

Shifts the focus to an interrogative form, emphasizing the pivotal question that needs answering.

the main concern

Highlights the element of worry or anxiety associated with the issue.

the fundamental problem

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the issue, suggesting it underlies other problems.

the heart of the matter

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate the most important aspect of something.

the crucial point

Highlights the decisive or critical nature of the issue.

the underlying cause

Focuses on the root cause or origin of the problem.

the primary focus

Indicates the main area of attention or concentration.

the critical factor

Stresses the element that is essential for success or resolution.

the key element

Highlights the most important component or aspect of something.

FAQs

How can I use "the core issue" in a sentence?

Use "the core issue" to identify the most important problem or point of discussion. For example, "The core issue is not the budget, but the lack of planning."

What's a more formal alternative to "the core issue"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "the fundamental problem" or "the underlying cause" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always necessary to use "the core issue"?

No, sometimes a more specific term is better. Instead of saying "the core issue is technology", you might say "the main concern is outdated software" to be more precise.

What's the difference between "the core issue" and "the main point"?

"The core issue" refers to a central problem or conflict, while "the main point" simply highlights the most important idea or argument.