the core issue is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the core issue is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce the main problem or topic of discussion in a clear and concise manner. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, I believe the core issue is a lack of communication between the departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the core issue is tax avoidance.

The Guardian - Tech

He added, "The core issue is mutual lack of trust.

The New Yorker

But the core issue is whether another run is likely.

The New York Times

The core issue is whether there is a "Basque conflict" at all.

The New York Times

The core issue is that working out is boring and time-consuming.

The New York Times

"The core issue is properly handling the relationship between the government and the market".

The New York Times

For the West, the core issue is the survival of democratic, or at least independent, states along Russia's frontier.

The New York Times

David Brooks writes, "But the core issue is that today's rich don't exploit the poor; they just outcompete them".

The New York Times

"The core issue is what did Madonna promise and whether those expectations have been met," she said.

The Guardian

"The core issue is the stress that being more thinly staffed and [budget] uncertainty puts on the team," Kelly said.

The Guardian

As usual, that percentage varies greatly with the group citing it, but the core issue is real.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Precede "the core issue is" with a brief context to provide background information. This ensures the reader understands the significance of the issue being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "the core issue is" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing your points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the core issue is" serves as a declarative statement that introduces the most important problem or central point within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, as demonstrated in numerous examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the core issue is" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile expression used to introduce the most crucial aspect of a subject. With very common usage across diverse platforms like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains, it’s proven suitable for a wide array of communication needs. According to Ludwig, this phrase effectively directs focus to the main problem, question, or challenge needing attention, helping to clarify and emphasize key topics. Its neutral register and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian further establish it as a reliable choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central question is

Focuses on the central question rather than the central problem.

the main concern is

Highlights concern as central point rather than problem.

the primary focus is

Emphasizes the primary point of attention.

the essential element is

Highlights the essential component rather than issue.

the fundamental problem is

Emphasizes the problem as fundamental.

the key question is

Focuses on key question over the central problem.

the critical aspect is

Presents a critical aspect rather than the main issue.

the underlying problem is

Emphasizes the problem as underlying.

the crux of the matter is

Highlights the crux as the core of the issue.

what it boils down to is

Expresses the essence of the issue.

FAQs

What does "the core issue is" mean?

The phrase "the core issue is" is used to introduce the central or most important problem, point, or question in a discussion or situation. It highlights what needs to be addressed or understood to resolve a matter.

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

You can use "the core issue is" to introduce the central topic of discussion, for example: "After analyzing the data, "the core issue is" the lack of resources."

What can I say instead of "the core issue is"?

You can use alternatives like "the main problem is", "the fundamental issue is", or "the central point is" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "the core issue is" formal or informal?

"The core issue is" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and overall tone of your writing or speech.