the only issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"the only issue" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is the main point or source of difficulty or concern. For example: "The only issue we can't seem to find a solution to is the cost of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only issue was minor.

The New York Times - Arts

The only issue becomes price.

The New York Times

Safety is the only issue, not cost.

Independent

The only issue may be the cost.

The New York Times

Spending was not the only issue.

The New York Times

Money is not the only issue.

The New York Times

But resources aren't the only issue.

The New York Times

It's not the only issue, though".

The New York Times

Cost isn't the only issue, however.

The New York Times

Tariffs are not the only issue.

The New York Times

Politics is not the only issue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only issue" when you want to emphasize the singular aspect of a situation that requires attention or resolution. It clearly identifies the core problem.

Common error

Avoid using "the only issue" when there are multiple contributing factors to a problem. Overusing the phrase can oversimplify complex situations and obscure other relevant details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only issue" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object complement in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes the single, most important problem or point of contention, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only issue" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for emphasizing the singular point of concern in a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object complement. It is appropriate for neutral registers and commonly found in news, media, and academic contexts. When writing, be mindful not to overuse it in overly complex situations with multiple factors, as doing so can diminish the description and details of the overall topic. Consider using alternatives such as "the sole concern", "the primary problem", or "the main difficulty" for variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole concern

This alternative replaces "issue" with "concern", emphasizing worry or anxiety as the main problem.

the primary problem

Using "problem" instead of "issue" highlights a difficulty that needs to be resolved.

the main difficulty

Replaces "issue" with "difficulty", focusing on the challenge or obstacle at hand.

the key question

Shifts the focus to a question that needs to be answered to resolve a situation.

the central point

Emphasizes that something is the most important idea or focus.

the heart of the matter

This idiom emphasizes getting to the core or essence of the situation.

the fundamental challenge

Focuses on a basic or essential difficulty that must be overcome.

the only sticking point

Highlights a single, specific aspect that is causing disagreement or preventing progress.

the long and short of it

An idiomatic expression used to indicate the essence or summary of a matter.

the crux of the biscuit

An informal, idiomatic way to refer to the most important part of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the only issue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the sole concern", "the primary problem", or "the main difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "the only issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "the only issue" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "the central point" or "the fundamental challenge" for greater impact.

What's the difference between "the only issue" and "the main issue"?

"The only issue" implies there is literally just one problem. "The main issue" suggests it's the most important among several issues. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the context.

When is it inappropriate to use "the only issue"?

Avoid using "the only issue" when addressing multifaceted problems with several contributing factors. In these cases, it's better to acknowledge the complexity and discuss various aspects instead of oversimplifying.