their issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or concern that belongs to a specific group of people. Example: "The team met to discuss their issue with the project timeline and how to address it moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But this is their issue, between them".

The New Yorker

The Democrats think this is their issue.

The Economist

It's not their issue".

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not really their issue.

The New York Times - Tech

This is their issue, not mine".

The Guardian

Apparently they think dogs is their issue".

The New York Times

Nobody intuitively knows which statute might apply to their issue.

The Guardian

"They feel the election was won because of their issue.

The New Yorker

Until that year the shares had remained below their issue price of 500 francs each.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Republicans say it's too little too late, and, besides, it's their issue.

The New York Times

"Both teams are playing in it, so I'm not sure what their issue would be".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "their issue", ensure it's clear who "their" refers to, especially in contexts where multiple groups are involved. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "their issue" when the referent is unclear. If the group or individuals to whom "their" refers are not explicitly stated, rewrite the sentence to specify who is affected by the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their issue" functions primarily as a possessive determiner followed by a noun, indicating that a particular issue, problem, or concern belongs to a specific group or entity. This is evident in examples provided by Ludwig, where "their issue" is used to denote topics or problems directly relevant to the referenced parties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their issue" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to denote a problem, concern, or responsibility that is specific to a group or individual. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When using "their issue", ensure clarity by explicitly stating who "their" refers to. Alternatives include "their problem" or "their concern". Overall, "their issue" is a reliable phrase for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", indicating a difficulty or challenge they face.

their concern

Substitutes "issue" with "concern", highlighting a matter of worry or interest for them.

their responsibility

Replaces "issue" with "responsibility", focusing on a duty or obligation they have.

the matter concerning them

Rephrases "their issue" to emphasize the subject or situation that involves them.

the question for them

Replaces "issue" with "question", suggesting a point of debate or inquiry for them.

the challenge they face

Emphasizes the difficulty or obstacle that they need to overcome.

something they must resolve

Focuses on the need for them to find a solution or settlement.

a matter for them to handle

Indicates that it's their responsibility to deal with a particular situation.

something that pertains to them

Highlights that the issue is specifically relevant or connected to them.

an area of difficulty for them

Pinpoints a specific area where they are experiencing challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "their issue" in a sentence?

You can use "their issue" to refer to a problem, concern, or topic that is specific to a group of people. For example, "The team met to discuss their issue with the project timeline and how to address it moving forward".

What's a good alternative to "their issue"?

Some alternatives to "their issue" include "their problem", "their concern", or "their responsibility", depending on the specific context.

Is "their issue" formal or informal?

"Their issue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and specific situation may influence the overall formality.

When should I avoid using "their issue"?

Avoid using "their issue" when it's unclear who "their" refers to, as this can lead to ambiguity. In such cases, rephrase the sentence to be more specific.