the issue at stake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the issue at stake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the important matters that are being discussed in a particular situation. For example, "The issue at stake in this election is the future of our country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone then debates the issue at stake.

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, the issue at stake was contentious.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Conflict of interest" is not the issue at stake here.

The New York Times

The issue at stake is not about helping a beleaguered independent new media industry.

The Guardian

So, basically, these two countries have developed nuclear weapons and missiles, and the issue at stake is still Kashmir.

University of California, Berkeley

LEGAL POINTS ARE IGNORED But Judge Takes Admissibility of Expert Evidence, the Issue at Stake, Under Advisement.

The New York Times

Whole economies do not turn on a dime when the issue at stake is as fundamental as energy consumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

The expectation that we ought to be able to control ourselves is essentially the issue at stake in criminal cases.

The New York Times - Magazine

The issue at stake in the latest go-around is the financial and political autonomy of the city group.

The New York Times

Exclusion is the issue at stake in the darkly comic "Sunk Island", November's most openly political poem.

The Guardian - Books

It only works where the issue at stake is narrow, precise and requires hearing relatively few witnesses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the issue at stake" to clearly define the central point of contention in debates, discussions, or analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "the issue at stake" in casual conversation; opt for simpler phrases like "what matters" or "what's important".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the issue at stake" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the central point of contention or importance in a particular situation. As Ludwig demonstrates, this phrase is commonly used to clearly define what is being debated or considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the issue at stake" is a commonly used phrase that identifies the central point of contention or importance. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "the core question" or "the key point" exist, this phrase effectively emphasizes the significance of the matter being discussed. Remember to use it primarily in neutral to formal contexts and avoid overuse in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the heart of the matter

Suggests the innermost and most crucial aspect of the situation.

the key point

Highlights the most important element of a discussion or situation.

the central concern

Emphasizes the element of worry or importance associated with the issue.

the crux of the problem

Emphasizes the most puzzling or difficult part of the problem.

the main problem

Draws attention to the difficulty that needs to be addressed.

the fundamental question

Highlights the underlying question that needs answering.

the core question

Focuses on the fundamental question needing resolution, instead of the more general concept of an issue.

the primary focus

Highlights what is receiving the most attention or effort.

the central theme

Focuses on the recurring idea or subject in a discussion.

the critical factor

Points out the element that will decisively affect the outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "the issue at stake" to highlight the central point of contention in a discussion, for example: "The issue at stake in this debate is the future of healthcare".

What phrases are similar to "the issue at stake"?

Alternatives include "the core question", "the central concern", or "the key point" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "the issue at stake"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, debates, and analyses where you need to clearly define the central point of contention or importance. Avoid it in casual conversation.

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

"The issue at stake" highlights what is being debated or contested, while "the problem at hand" refers to a difficulty that needs to be resolved. They are similar but not interchangeable.