this is an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a problem or difficulty that must be addressed. For example, you could say: "This latest incident is an issue that must be addressed by the city council."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is an issue of sovereignty".

The New York Times

"This is an issue of grave concern.

Independent

"This is an issue of national pride".

The New York Times

[Philosophical] This is an issue.

The Guardian - Sport

This is an issue of culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is an issue for regulators.

The Guardian

This is an issue of saving lives".

The New York Times

"This is an issue they care about".

The New York Times

"This is an issue about trade barriers".

The New York Times

This is an issue of force protection".

The New York Times

Clearly, this is an issue worth revisiting.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is an issue", be specific about the issue itself. Avoid vague statements and clearly define the problem you're addressing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this is an issue". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is an issue" functions as a declarative statement to identify a subject as a problem or matter of concern. Ludwig examples show it being used to introduce topics ranging from national security to medical infrastructure. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is an issue" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to identify a problem or matter of concern. According to Ludwig AI, it’s perfectly correct. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, its overall tone depends on the surrounding content. When using it, specificity is key: clearly define the issue you're addressing to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include phrases like "this presents a problem" or "this raises concerns". Overall, "this is an issue" serves as a straightforward way to introduce a topic needing attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is a matter of concern

Rephrases the statement to emphasize worry or apprehension.

this is a problematic situation

Emphasizes the troublesome nature of the circumstance.

this presents a problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect, using "presents a problem" instead of a direct statement.

this constitutes a challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty involved, framing it as a "challenge" to overcome.

this poses a difficulty

Highlights the creation of a barrier or obstacle.

this gives rise to difficulties

Highlights the creation of obstacles or problems.

this raises concerns

Highlights the generation of worry or apprehension.

this warrants attention

Suggests that something deserves to be noticed and addressed.

this requires consideration

Indicates a need for careful thought and evaluation.

this is a point of contention

Focuses on disagreement or dispute regarding the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "this is an issue" in a sentence?

You can use "this is an issue" to introduce a problem or concern that needs to be addressed. For example: "The lack of funding is an issue that needs immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to saying "this is an issue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this presents a problem", "this raises concerns", or "this is a matter of concern", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "this is an issue"?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In very formal contexts, a more sophisticated phrasing might be preferable. In informal context, it is a perfectly valid phrasing.

What's the difference between "this is an issue" and "this is a problem"?

While similar, "issue" can sometimes imply a more complex or multifaceted situation than "problem". "This is an issue" might be used for a long-standing debate, while "this is a problem" could describe a straightforward difficulty.