the issue is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the issue is that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce the main concern or problem of a situation. For example: "The issue is that we need to find a solution that everyone can agree on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The issue is that cables longer than 600m are simply too heavy to winch.

BBC

"The issue is that Shrum likes to take control".

The New Yorker

The issue is that Democratic voters are like Republican voters.

The Economist

The issue is that floodplain management is deficient.

The New York Times

The issue is that individuals don't dwell on the dwelling.

Harvard Business Review

The issue is that resources are always limited.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The issue is that the planning is not implemented".

The New York Times

The issue is that Halsey is not alone.

The New York Times - Sports

"But part of the issue is that we'd never met.

The New York Times - Sports

"But the issue is that this is not reliable.

The New York Times

Further complicating the issue is that the Mets do not have a general manager.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the issue is that", follow it with a concise and specific statement. Avoid vagueness to ensure clarity and maintain the reader's or listener's focus.

Common error

While "the issue is that" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "the problem is", "the main concern is", or phrasing the issue as a question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the issue is that" functions as a discourse marker, introducing a statement that identifies a problem, challenge, or key point. It helps frame the subsequent information as the central concern. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the issue is that" serves as a crucial phrase for pinpointing problems or essential arguments across diverse contexts. Ludwig shows its high prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, indicating its versatile application. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, ideal for setting up problem-solving or detailed explanations. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, effectively introducing the core concern or problem. While handy, be mindful of overuse, opting for synonyms like "the problem is" to diversify sentence structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problem lies in the fact that

This alternative is more emphatic and focuses on identifying the core difficulty.

the main concern is that

This alternative highlights the principal worry or source of anxiety.

the key point is that

This emphasizes the most important thing to consider.

the fundamental problem is

This alternative stresses the foundational nature of the difficulty.

the challenge is that

This alternative frames the issue as a difficulty needing to be overcome.

what it comes down to is that

This alternative is more conversational and suggests a simplified explanation.

the real problem is that

This adds an element of truth or exposure to the identified problem.

essentially, the problem is

This alternative focuses on distilling the issue to its most basic elements.

the crux of the matter is

This alternative pinpoints the most vital or difficult part of a problem.

a significant concern is

This emphasizes the importance of the subject under consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "the issue is that" to introduce the central problem or challenge you are discussing. For example, "The issue is that we haven't secured enough funding for the project."

What are some alternatives to "the issue is that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the problem is that", "the main concern is that", or "the key point is that", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the issue is that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the issue is that". It functions as a clause introducing the subject of concern.

What's the difference between "the issue is that" and "the problem is that"?

While similar, "the issue is that" can refer to a broader range of concerns, while "the problem is that" typically refers to a specific difficulty or challenge.