Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this issue lies
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this issue lies" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used when something unresolved needs to be addressed or when something (an issue, responsibility, decision, etc.) needs to be taken into consideration. Example: This issue lies with the department's management team; they must come up with a plan to move forward.
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
15 human-written examples
This issue lies at the heart of American jurisprudence, riven from the beginning over the power of the federal government against that of individual states.
News & Media
"The research shows that a large part of the responsibility for solving this issue lies with law firms, so we need to ensure they attack the problem with the energy and enthusiasm it deserves".
News & Media
From page 40 of the OBR report: Photograph: OBR UK real GDP per capita Photograph: /OBR At the heart of this issue lies the big conundrum of UK economics -- how much damage was caused by the great recession, will productivity reach pre-crisis levels again, or have we simply run out of easy efficiency gains that helped drive the economy?
News & Media
cAn in-depth analysis of this issue lies beyond the scope of this article.
The key to this issue lies in interpretation's dualistic nature, i.e. that it has both a backward-looking conserving aspect and a forward-looking creative one.
Science
For research on the concept of animal welfare it can be shown that excluding values is impossible as this issue lies too close to our daily experience.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
The roots of this issue lie in the deeply held assumption of the beneficial quality of French civilisation for humankind.
News & Media
"It was important for him to get in front of this issue, lay his soul to bare, explain his context".
News & Media
Perhaps the origins of this issue lie in the degree to which many moviegoers are fascinated by the origins of superheroes If my neighbor comes to my door and shows me that blades can burst out of his knuckles, I'm going to be shocked and demand that he explain to me how he came to be able to do that.
News & Media
While the injustice of slavery is not directly addressed, the issue lies just below the surface of the celebration.
News & Media
The key to solving many of the issue lies in the economy.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "this issue lies" to clearly indicate where the central point, problem, or solution of a matter is situated. It emphasizes a specific location or aspect as being crucial to understanding or resolving the issue.
Common error
Avoid using "this issue lies" when you simply want to state the issue itself without specifying where the key aspect of the issue is located. Instead, clearly state the issue directly without indicating where it 'lies'.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this issue lies" functions as a means of attributing a problem or the key to understanding a problem to a specific location, area, or cause. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English to indicate a key unresolved subject needs addressing.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
13%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Encyclopedias
3%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "this issue lies" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to pinpoint the central aspect or location of a problem. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability in diverse writing contexts, spanning science, news, and business. While versatile, it's crucial to use it when you intend to emphasize the key location or factor related to an issue. For alternative expressions, consider options like "the heart of the matter is" or "the crux of the problem is" to add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the heart of the matter is
Replaces "issue lies" with a more direct expression of the core problem.
the crux of the problem is
Emphasizes the most crucial point of the issue.
the core concern is
Highlights the primary worry or difficulty.
the root of the issue is
Focuses on the fundamental cause of the problem.
the key to this problem is
Indicates where the solution or understanding of the problem can be found.
the origin of this issue is
Shifts the focus to the beginning or source of the issue.
the fundamental question is
Replaces "issue lies" with an emphasis on the underlying question that needs answering.
the central point is
Indicates the most important idea or argument.
the real problem resides in
Highlights where the actual difficulty is situated.
the essence of the matter is
Focuses on the intrinsic nature of the issue.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "this issue lies" in a sentence?
Alternatives include stating that "the heart of the matter is", "the crux of the problem is", or "the "core concern" is depending on the specific context.
Is it grammatically correct to use "this issue lies"?
Yes, "this issue lies" is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal and informal writing to indicate where the core of a problem or matter is located, according to Ludwig.
What does "this issue lies" mean?
The phrase "this issue lies" means that the key aspect, problem, or solution related to a particular matter is situated in a specific place, aspect, or factor. It emphasizes the location or source of the issue.
What are some common contexts for using "this issue lies"?
This phrase is often used in discussions about complex problems, analyses of situations, and explanations of causes and effects. You can find it in areas like science, news reporting, or business communication.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested