the key issue is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key issue is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a main point in a sentence, such as: "The key issue is whether or not to invest in the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key issue is consent.

The New Yorker

The key issue is costs.

The Guardian - Opinion

The key issue is royalty payments.

The Guardian - Tech

The key issue is management" (15 June).

The Guardian

I think the key issue is providing that".

The Guardian

Yet the key issue is intelligence-sharing between national agencies.

The Guardian - Opinion

The key issue is how such schemes are designed.

The Guardian

"The key issue is whether this was systemic," he said.

The New York Times

The key issue is to estimate these with the least level of uncertainty.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

The key issue is whether adequate supplies of uranium are available.

The Guardian

"The key issue is, what is sold here and what is sold 'into' here?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the key issue is" to clearly and directly introduce the most important aspect of a complex topic. This ensures the reader understands the central focus immediately.

Common error

Avoid using "the key issue is" in very simple sentences where the importance is already obvious. Opt for more concise phrasing to prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key issue is" functions as a sentence opener or transitional phrase to highlight the most important aspect or point of contention in a discussion. It serves to direct the reader's or listener's attention to what is considered the most crucial element, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key issue is" serves as a versatile phrase to introduce the central point of a discussion or argument, as validated by Ludwig. Its frequent use in news, scientific, and business contexts indicates its broad applicability and neutral tone. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is most effective when used to highlight significance in complex topics, avoiding overuse in overly simplistic sentences. Remember to use it strategically to guide your audience's focus effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central question is

Focuses on posing a question as the core problem.

the main concern is

Highlights the aspect causing worry or anxiety.

the critical point is

Emphasizes a particularly important element or detail.

the crucial factor is

Stresses a determinant that significantly affects the outcome.

the primary challenge is

Highlights the main difficulty to be overcome.

the fundamental problem is

Indicates the underlying issue at the root of a situation.

the key consideration is

Suggests an element that needs careful thought and attention.

the heart of the matter is

Refers to the essential element or crux of the issue.

the essence of it is

Points to the basic, most important idea or quality.

the overriding objective is

Emphasizes the goal that takes precedence over all others.

FAQs

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

Use "the key issue is" to introduce the most important aspect of a topic or problem, for example, "The key issue is funding for the project".

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

You can use alternatives like "the central question is", "the main concern is", or "the critical point is" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a key issue is" instead of "the key issue is"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "the key issue is" implies that there is one primary issue, while "a key issue is" suggests that it is one of several important issues.

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

"The key issue is" is a broader statement that identifies a central point, while "the main problem is" specifically indicates a difficulty or obstacle. The former is not necessarily negative, but the latter is.