the real issue is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the real issue is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce the main point or concern in a discussion or argument. Example: "While there are many factors to consider, the real issue is the lack of communication between the teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The real issue is not about currency, Mr. Xiang said.

The New York Times

The real issue is poverty.

The New York Times

The real issue is timing.

The New York Times

The real issue is their prudent operation.

The New York Times

The real issue is the legal ivory.

Independent

The real issue is the Muslim vote.

The New York Times

The real issue is trust.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But the real issue is not, in the end, financial.

The Guardian - Opinion

The real issue is improving schools, especially high schools.

The New York Times

The real issue is enhancing value and improving performance.

The New York Times

But the real issue is being missed here.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the real issue is" to clearly and directly introduce the most important aspect of a complex situation or argument to ensure the audience understands the core focus.

Common error

Avoid using "the real issue is" in situations where the issue is already apparent or simple. A more straightforward statement can be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the real issue is" functions as a declarative expression used to introduce the most important aspect of a situation or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, showcasing how it effectively frames the core focus of a discussion, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the real issue is" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for emphasizing the core concern within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and showcases its diverse applications across news, science, and business. When writing, consider alternatives such as "the core problem is" or "the key point is" to avoid repetition, and be mindful not to use it in overly simple situations. According to Ludwig's examples, it's best used when navigating complex issues to highlight the most crucial aspect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the core problem is

Focuses on the problem aspect rather than the general issue.

the fundamental question is

Emphasizes a question that needs to be addressed.

the main concern is

Highlights the element of worry or anxiety.

the crucial factor is

Stresses the importance of a specific element.

the key point is

Directly points out the most important piece of information.

the heart of the matter is

A more figurative way of indicating the central issue.

what truly matters is

Shifts the focus to what holds the most significance.

the underlying cause is

Highlights the root or origin of the problem.

essentially, it comes down to

Summarizes a complex situation to its basic elements.

at its root, the problem is

Similar to 'underlying cause' but emphasizes the origin of a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "the real issue is" to introduce the main point or concern in a discussion. For example, "While there are many factors to consider, "the real issue is" the lack of communication between the teams."

What are some alternatives to saying "the real issue is"?

Alternatives include "the main concern is", "the fundamental problem is", or "the key point is", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "the real issue is"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the most important aspect of a complex problem or argument, helping to focus attention on what truly matters.

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

"The real issue is" often implies that there are other issues at play, but one is more significant. "The problem is" is a more general statement that may not suggest other complicating factors.