the issue at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"the issue at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the topic being discussed or considered. For example: "Let's focus on the issue at hand—how can we increase profits?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That is the issue at hand.

The New York Times

The issue at hand is my groin".

The New York Times - Sports

McGuire avoided the issue at hand.

The Guardian - Sport

Which sort of brings us to the issue at hand.

The New York Times

At least your all talking about the issue at hand.

Independent

The issue at hand is how the additional stabilizing terms affect the resulting controller.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

Whom can we partner with to best address the issue at hand?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The issue at hand is when do these drugs become addictive?

Harvard University

But many stumble when the issue at hand has ethical outcomes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The Government earmarking this funding for Veterans Aid shows the seriousness of the issue at hand.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But back to the issue at hand the MPAA hates each and every one of you.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the issue at hand", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Briefly introduce the issue before using the phrase for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the issue at hand" without clearly defining what the issue is. A vague reference can confuse the reader and diminish the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the issue at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the specific matter being addressed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the issue at hand" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to pinpoint the topic currently under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in diverse writing contexts. It enjoys widespread usage across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To maximize clarity, ensure the issue is well-defined. Related phrases like "the matter in question" offer alternative ways to express the same idea. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "the issue at hand" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matter in question

Replaces "issue" with "matter" and uses "in question" to specify the current topic.

the topic under discussion

Focuses on the act of discussing, highlighting that the issue is currently being talked about.

the subject being considered

Emphasizes the act of careful thought and evaluation of the subject.

the point at issue

Highlights the specific point that is causing disagreement or requiring resolution.

the central question

Identifies the core question that needs to be answered or addressed.

the current problem

Frames the issue as a problem needing a solution.

the relevant consideration

Stresses the importance and pertinence of the issue to the situation.

the focus of attention

Highlights where attention should be directed.

the heart of the matter

Indicates the most important or fundamental aspect of the issue.

the core concern

Emphasizes that the issue is a significant source of worry or interest.

FAQs

How can I use "the issue at hand" in a sentence?

You can use "the issue at hand" to refer to the current topic being discussed or considered. For example, "Let's put aside our differences and focus on "the issue at hand": completing this project".

What are some alternatives to "the issue at hand"?

Some alternatives include "the matter in question", "the topic under discussion", or "the subject being considered". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "the issue at hand" formal or informal?

"The issue at hand" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "the issue at hand" and "the question at hand"?

"The issue at hand" refers to a problem or topic being discussed, while "the question at hand" specifically refers to a question that needs to be answered. The former is broader, while the latter is more specific.