the first issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial problem, topic, or edition of a publication in a sequence. Example: "In the first issue of the magazine, we explored the impact of climate change on local communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The first issue is safety.

The New York Times

The first issue is price.

The New York Times

The first issue appeared in February 1922.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It made the first issue a hit.

The New Yorker

Let's take the first issue.

Columbia University

The first issue was definitional.

Yale University

The first issue is obvious.

The Washington Post

The first issue is legality.

The New York Times

"The first issue was food.

The Guardian

The first issue was auspicious.

The New York Times - Arts

The first issue was published on July 8 , 1889

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first issue" to introduce a series of problems, clearly outline the subsequent issues to maintain clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "the first issue", "the second issue", etc. Vary your sentence structure by using transition words like "next", "furthermore", or "in addition" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the initial point of discussion or concern in a sequence of issues. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the first issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for introducing an initial concern or topic. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and real-world examples showcase its usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's important to maintain clarity by outlining subsequent issues and varying sentence structure to avoid repetition. Related phrases like "the initial problem" or "the primary concern" can offer alternative phrasing. The phrase is most prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial problem

Focuses on the problem aspect, emphasizing that it's the starting point of difficulties.

the primary concern

Highlights the importance or urgency of the first issue identified.

the main challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty aspect of the first issue that needs to be overcome.

the starting point

Emphasizes the beginning stage when the issue arises or becomes relevant.

the introductory matter

Replaces issue with a more formal word like "matter", and emphasizing the introduction of the topic.

the foremost topic

Indicates that the issue is at the front or is the most important topic among others.

the opening question

Highlights that the issue is framed as a question or point of inquiry.

the preliminary subject

Similar to the 'introductory matter', making it a formal equivalent that indicates the beginning of a discussion.

the original predicament

Conveys that the issue is a difficult or unpleasant situation from the start.

the nascent dilemma

Suggests the issue is a problem that is just beginning to emerge or develop.

FAQs

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

You can use "the first issue" to introduce the initial problem or topic in a discussion. For example, "The first issue is safety." or "The first issue was the timing".

What are some alternatives to "the first issue"?

Alternatives include "the initial problem", "the primary concern", or "the main challenge" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the very first issue"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "the very first issue" can be redundant as "first" already implies it's the initial one. Using just "the first issue" is usually sufficient.

When is it appropriate to use "the first issue" in formal writing?

"The first issue" is suitable for formal writing when introducing the initial point in a structured argument or discussion. Ensure subsequent issues are also clearly identified to maintain a logical flow.