the issue of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the issue of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific issue that has been previously mentioned or is being discussed. Example: "The committee addressed the concerns raised by the community, the issue of which was the lack of public transportation options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The issue of which nation's law prevailed was also important.

The New York Times

But it still leaves the issue of which country's courts control the process.

The Economist

The poor agreement raises the issue of which amorphous mechanical properties should be taken as input in the micromechanical model?

Polymer

They also said the issue of which Lib Dems would appear had diminished as the event changed format.

The Guardian

Carter also needed to grapple with the issue of which police tactics he should adopt for fighting back.

The New York Times - Magazine

We investigate the issue of which state functionals can have their uncertainty estimated efficiently in dynamical systems with uncertainty.

Applied Mathematics and Computation

Past research has not yet overcome the issue of which of these concepts is preferable, especially for public transport users.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

But that inquiry became sidetracked by bureaucratic fumbling and over the issue of which Antar family members were telling the truth.

The New York Times

Some say the strongman is all bluster, but he takes words seriously, including the issue of which ones should be banned.

The Washington Post

At which point we must recognise that the issue of which I'm making light is, for those on low incomes, no laughing matter.

The Guardian

There is also the issue of which country feels like the better fit for a business that proselytises about responsible capitalism.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the issue of which", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'issue' refers to. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens the connection between the issue and the subsequent selection.

Common error

Avoid using "the issue of which" in simple sentences where a direct question or statement would be more effective. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the issue of which" serves as a connector that introduces a specific aspect of a problem or topic under discussion. It often precedes a clause that clarifies which particular element of the issue is being addressed, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the issue of which" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to introduce a specific aspect of a topic or problem. As evidenced by the examples in Ludwig, it is prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity, ensure the 'issue' is well-defined in the surrounding text. While generally correct, avoid overuse in simple sentences to maintain conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the question of which

Focuses on the aspect of inquiry or doubt regarding the selection.

the matter of which

Emphasizes the substance or topic under consideration for selection.

regarding which

Highlights the aspect of consideration or reference in the selection process.

concerning which

Similar to 'regarding which', but may imply a stronger connection or relevance.

in relation to which

Specifies a comparative or associative aspect to the selection.

the problem of which

Highlights a difficulty or challenge associated with the selection.

on the subject of which

Draws attention to a particular topic or theme that determines the selection.

the concern of which

Emphasizes a worry or interest related to the specific selection.

the area of which

Highlights a field or domain to which the selection belongs.

the topic of which

Focuses on the subject or theme being addressed in the selection process.

FAQs

How can I use "the issue of which" in a sentence?

Use "the issue of which" to introduce a specific problem or point of contention that needs to be resolved or considered when making a decision or discussing options. For example, "The committee addressed the funding problems, the central issue of which was sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "the issue of which"?

You can use alternatives like "the question of which", "the matter of which", or "regarding which" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Consider also restructuring the sentence for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "the issue of which" in writing?

It's appropriate when you're discussing a problem or point of contention and want to specify which aspect of it is relevant to the current discussion or decision. Avoid using it if a simpler construction would suffice.

Is there a difference between "the issue of which" and "the matter of which"?

While similar, "the issue of which" often implies a problem or conflict needing resolution, whereas "the matter of which" is more neutral and refers to a topic or subject under consideration. The best alternative depends on the context of your writing.