topical issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"topical issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a current issue or subject which is of high interest and importance. For example: Gun control is a highly topical issue in the US right now.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Safeguarding is an important and topical issue.

The Guardian

Another very topical issue is inequality.

Harvard University

Construction waste minimisation is a topical issue in many countries.

Building and Environment

During the news conference, Selig was asked about another topical issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Police officials in other cities said steroids was a topical issue.

The New York Times

This is a topical issue that we see at the most rarefied valley technology companies.

The New York Times

The relationship between religion and science is complex and continues to be a topical issue.

Cornell University

Genocidal Gender and Sexual Violence tackles an important and highly topical issue.

Stanford University

Fischer Tropsch technology has become a topical issue in the energy industry in recent times.

Fuel Processing Technology

BRICS organization has already become the topical issue of our research.

Data in Brief

3. Research a topical issue in small groups; respond to guiding questions and deliver brief oral presentations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider adding specific details or context when mentioning a "topical issue" to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is a "topical issue" without explaining why it is relevant or providing specific details. This can make your writing seem vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topical issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "topical" modifies the noun "issue". It identifies a subject or problem that is currently relevant and under discussion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topical issue" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that describes a subject of current relevance and interest. As confirmed by Ludwig, its frequent appearance across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Academia highlights its importance in contemporary discourse. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to provide context and specificity to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "current issue" or "relevant issue" can be used to fine-tune the meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "topical issue" to engage their audience and convey timely information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current issue

Emphasizes the present-day relevance of the issue.

relevant issue

Highlights the pertinence and applicability of the issue.

contemporary issue

Focuses on the issue's existence within the current time period.

pressing issue

Suggests a sense of urgency and importance.

prominent issue

Indicates that the issue is widely recognized and discussed.

key issue

Highlights the issue's significance and centrality.

important subject

Broadens the scope to include subjects beyond specific issues.

significant matter

Emphasizes the weight and consequence of the topic.

burning question

Implies a high level of public interest and debate.

hot topic

Informal way to refer to issue that is currently very popular and of much interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "topical issue" to refer to a subject of current interest. For example, "Climate change is a "topical issue" that demands immediate attention".

What's a more formal way to say "topical issue"?

Alternatives include "current issue", "relevant issue", or "contemporary issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "a topical issue" or "an topical issue"?

The correct phrase is "a topical issue". The word "topical" begins with a consonant sound, so it requires the indefinite article "a".

What is the difference between a "topical issue" and a "longstanding problem"?

A "topical issue" is currently relevant and frequently discussed, while a "longstanding problem" has persisted over a longer period and may not be as actively debated at the moment.