the point at issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"the point at issue" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the main topic or matter being discussed or debated in a particular context. It can be used in both formal and informal writing. Example: "The point at issue in the meeting was the company's declining profits." In this example, "the point at issue" refers to the main concern or subject of discussion in the meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But that may not be the point at issue here.

The Economist

The point at issue in the controversy was the future role of the trade unions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are the subject of the presented paper showing also the complexness of the point at issue.

Construction and Building Materials

House, by contrast, was a six-page opinion with substantive discussion on the point at issue here.

Cornell University

It is true that the eligibility as Queen of a twice-divorced woman was the point at issue.

The New York Times

A. Indeed, the point at issue is a certain form of discussing the German issue by the six mentioned states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

A reconciliation between Becket and Henry at the end of the same year settled none of the points at issue.

Britannica

But with Becket out of the way, it proved possible to negotiate most of the points at issue between church and state.

Britannica

"Log Cabin and Hard Cider" and Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" had been phrases without relevanc to the points at issue even in 1840.

The New Yorker

One of the points at issue is whether or not emancipation is destructible; another is whether there is a difference between liberation attained by mere self-knowledge and that attained by knowledge of God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is naïve to suppose that the points at issue between, for example, a Thomist and a Materialist can be settled by observation or even by experiment; the facts to which one might appeal in support of his theory may be seen in a very different light by the other, or perhaps be dismissed as simple illusion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the point at issue", provide sufficient context so your audience can readily understand the nature and importance of the matter.

Common error

Avoid using "the point at issue" when referring to multiple, distinct problems or when the central topic is not yet clearly defined. Use a phrase like "the issues at hand" when dealing with various concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the point at issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the specific matter or topic that is being discussed, debated, or considered. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the point at issue" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase that serves to pinpoint the central topic of a discussion or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While it appears across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias, its purpose remains consistent: to provide clarity and focus. The phrase is best used when a specific topic needs to be emphasized, but it should be avoided if multiple issues are present. Alternatives like "the central question" or "the main concern" can offer nuanced variations, but "the point at issue" remains a direct and effective means of identifying the core subject matter. With a source quality score of 87 and an expert rating of 4.5, the phrase is indicative of authoritative and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central question

Focuses on the question aspect rather than the overall topic.

the core of the matter

Emphasizes the heart of the subject, rather than a specific point.

the main concern

Highlights the element of worry or importance associated with the issue.

the heart of the debate

Specific to debates, focusing on the core disagreement.

the key question

Focuses on the importance of the question.

the crux of the problem

Highlights the decisive point that needs solving, emphasizing the problematic nature.

the central argument

Emphasizes the argument aspect, suitable for contexts of disagreement.

the essence of the topic

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the topic.

the real issue

Highlights the genuine problem needing to be addressed.

the critical factor

Points out a factor of great importance, but not necessarily a controversy.

FAQs

How can I use "the point at issue" in a sentence?

You can use "the point at issue" to clearly identify the central topic of a discussion or debate. For example, "The point at issue is whether the new policy will increase productivity."

What are some alternatives to "the point at issue"?

You can use alternatives like "the central question", "the main concern", or "the core of the matter" depending on the context.

Is "the point at issue" formal or informal?

"The point at issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often used in more structured discussions or written materials.

What's the difference between "the point at issue" and "the problem at hand"?

"The point at issue" refers to a specific topic under discussion, while "the problem at hand" refers to a difficulty that needs to be resolved. They can overlap, but "the problem at hand" implies a need for a solution.