this issue affects

USAGE SUMMARY

"this issue affects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that a certain issue has an effect on something. For example, "This issue affects people of all ages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This issue affects millions and a lot of the time projects just reach 500-600 girls.

The Guardian

This issue affects everyone, but in science it is critical that we can freely criticise ideas.

The Guardian

And it's only fair to have it then because this issue affects them more than most.

The Guardian

If this issue affects you, here is an overview of key options.

Harvard University

Thorpe's film focuses on his own experience, but a few interviewees hint at how this issue affects racial minorities.

The Washington Post

Be sure to read the Caveats about ACIS Pipeline-Processed Mask Files to see if this issue affects your data.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This issue affected documents and presentations, but not spreadsheets.

TechCrunch

"This issue affected some users where multiple Skype accounts were registered to the same email address.

BBC

How does this issue affect me, a member of the public?

Duke University

"This is definitely an attack on women - if this issue affected men it wouldn't be happening this way". How have women's groups reacted?

BBC

Yet this vital issue affects millions of lives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this issue affects", ensure the connection between the issue and its impact is clear to the reader. Provide specific examples or details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "this issue affects" without specifying how it affects the subject. General statements lack persuasive power. Instead of saying 'This issue affects the community', specify 'This issue affects the community by increasing pollution levels and decreasing property values'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this issue affects" serves as a connector, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship. It introduces a problem or subject and then asserts its influence on something else. As Ludwig highlights, this construction is grammatically sound and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this issue affects" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction for expressing the impact of a particular problem or subject. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency of use is classified as Uncommon, appearing most often in news and media, science, and academic contexts. To use the phrase effectively, ensure clarity by specifying how the issue affects the subject. While versatile, the level of formality is neutral so is suitable for many contexts. When a different tone is required, consider other phrases like "this matter impacts" or "this problem influences".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this problem influences

Replaces "issue" with "problem" and "affects" with "influences", slightly shifting the connotation towards a more negative impact.

this matter impacts

Substitutes "issue" with "matter" and "affects" with "impacts", providing a more formal tone.

this concern has repercussions for

Replaces the direct verb "affects" with a more descriptive phrase indicating consequences or indirect results.

this factor has an effect on

Breaks down the verb "affects" into a noun phrase emphasizing the presence of an effect.

this situation bears upon

Uses a more formal and less common expression, suggesting a direct relevance or influence.

this challenge influences the outcome of

Specifically frames the "issue" as a "challenge" and clarifies that it influences the result or conclusion.

this situation has a bearing on

Uses a more nuanced expression, "bearing on", to indicate relevance and potential influence.

this subject is relevant to

Shifts the focus from direct impact to relevance or pertinence, suggesting the issue is connected or important to something.

this development has consequences for

Emphasizes that the "issue" (framed as a "development") leads to results or implications.

this topic is significant for

Shifts the focus to the importance or relevance of the topic, rather than direct influence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this issue affects" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could say "this matter impacts", "this concern has repercussions for", or "this situation bears upon". These alternatives, linked here as "this matter impacts", "this concern has repercussions for", and "this situation bears upon", add a level of sophistication to your writing.

Is it correct to use "this issue affects" in academic writing?

Yes, "this issue affects" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing, as long as the connection between the issue and its effect is clearly explained and supported by evidence. Consider framing the issue and impact relationship as a hypothesis or research question.

What are some less formal alternatives to "this issue affects"?

Less formal options include "this thing messes with", "this problem screws up", or "this situation impacts". However, these should be used with caution, as they are generally not appropriate for formal or professional contexts.

How can I make my use of "this issue affects" more impactful?

To make your statement more impactful, be specific about who or what is affected and how. For instance, instead of "This issue affects the environment", try "This issue affects the local environment by contributing to water pollution and habitat destruction".