the issue surfaced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the issue surfaced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a problem or concern that has come to light or become apparent. Example: "During the meeting, the issue surfaced regarding the project's timeline and budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Tory tensions on the issue surfaced in a Commons debate on Thursday.

Independent

Days later, the issue surfaced at a hearing in the Philippine House of Representatives on a long-dormant bill.

The New York Times

The issue surfaced again in Yahoo's latest quarterly results, even though the company fared slightly better than analysts anticipated.

Independent

Within the exchange, the issue surfaced when Mr. Grasso tried to cash out some of his retirement benefits in 2003.

The New York Times

Members of the group were approached by Mr. Schumer after the issue surfaced repeatedly during his senatorial campaign.

The New York Times

Even after the issue surfaced, McGuire gave a tepid apology that essentially said, "I'm sorry if people were offended".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The emotional side of the issue surfaces only when he talks about his father, a lifelong smoker who died two years ago at 68; the cause was emphysema.

The New York Times

The issue surfaces more now that RESTful APIs have become the chosen way to exchange information through applications.

TechCrunch

The issue surfaces as a priority every few years only after a series of tragic accidents.

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Paterson, who was then minority leader of the State Senate, was in the process of hiring Mr. O'Byrne, a former Jesuit priest whose career has included corporate law and speechwriting for Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign, when the issues surfaced.

The New York Times

E-Poll Market Research has yet to update its scores since the issues surfaced, and a Q Score for Cosby is not expected until 2015.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the issue surfaced" when you want to indicate that a problem, question, or topic has become noticeable or has come to public attention, often unexpectedly or after being hidden.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "the issue surfaced" in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise verbs like "emerged", "arose", or "became evident" for enhanced clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the issue surfaced" functions as a statement to indicate that a problem, topic, or question has become apparent or has come to public attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. The phrase is commonly used in news and media to report on emerging concerns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the issue surfaced" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe the emergence of a problem or topic. As indicated by Ludwig, it is appropriate for general use, particularly in news and media contexts. While acceptable, consider alternatives like "emerged" or "arose" for enhanced clarity in formal settings. Common usage involves highlighting a previously hidden or unnoticed matter now coming to light. Be mindful of the register and consider context when selecting this phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problem arose

Replaces "issue" with "problem" and "surfaced" with "arose", focusing on the emergence of a difficulty.

the matter came to light

Substitutes "issue" with "matter" and uses the idiomatic expression "came to light" to emphasize revelation.

the subject emerged

Replaces "issue" with "subject" and "surfaced" with "emerged", highlighting the appearance of a topic of discussion.

the concern was raised

Shifts the focus to the act of bringing up a concern, rather than its spontaneous appearance.

the question was brought up

Emphasizes the introduction of a question or query into a discussion.

the topic was introduced

Highlights the deliberate introduction of a topic, rather than its natural surfacing.

the difficulty presented itself

Replaces "issue" with "difficulty" and focuses on the problem presenting itself.

the challenge became apparent

Emphasizes the clarity with which the challenge is now seen.

the conflict materialized

Suggests that a conflict moved from a potential state to a real one.

the situation unfolded

Indicates a gradual revelation of a situation, rather than a sudden surfacing of an issue.

FAQs

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

Use "the issue surfaced" to describe a problem or topic that has become apparent. For example, "During the investigation, "the issue surfaced" regarding data security".

What's a more formal way to say "the issue surfaced"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the issue emerged", "the problem arose", or "the matter became evident" as alternatives.

Is "the issue surfaced" appropriate for academic writing?

While usable, consider stronger verbs in academic writing for more precise and impactful communication. Options like "arose", "emerged", or "became apparent" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "the issue surfaced" and "the issue arose"?

"The issue surfaced" suggests something previously hidden has come to light. "The issue arose" simply means a problem or question has emerged, without necessarily implying it was previously concealed.