true issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "true issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the actual or most important problem or matter at hand in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In our debate about climate change, the true issue lies in the lack of political will to implement effective policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The true issue is not populism versus responsible bankers.

The New York Times

"This is a true issue of principle," he said.

The New York Times

That's what I'm identified with and I think it would be detrimental to the true issue.

The New Yorker

Biovail's true issue is the valuation that the public markets place on their common stock.

The New York Times

"Although we play for a living in the W.N.B.A., money is not a true issue.

The New York Times - Sports

The true issue is whether the long-delayed effort to reform health care will rise or fall on the merits.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

For Anohni, squabbles about identity are a distraction from the true issues facing us.

The Guardian - Music

With the growing number of openly transgender students in schools has come true issues with school climate, mental health, and social justice.

Harvard University

Long, technical narratives obstruct the distinction between routine items and true issues.

Forbes

This is the result of failure on the part of those analyzing its scope to recognize the complexity of the issues involved and to confront the true issues that underlie its application.

Duke University

Property owners who understand the true issues behind this tax should vote "yes" on the assessment.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "true issue", ensure that you are clearly identifying the most fundamental or essential aspect of the topic at hand. This helps to avoid confusion and keeps the discussion focused.

Common error

Avoid mistaking a symptom for the "true issue". Dig deeper to identify the root cause, rather than focusing solely on the immediate or superficial concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes the most important or fundamental aspect of a subject under discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "true issue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to highlight the most important aspect of a discussion or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-regarded and applicable in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it maintains a neutral register. For alternatives, consider phrases like "real problem" or "genuine concern" to convey similar meanings. When employing "true issue", ensure you're addressing the root cause rather than superficial symptoms to maintain clarity and focus in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real problem

Replaces 'issue' with 'problem', focusing on the problematic nature of the matter.

genuine concern

Substitutes 'issue' with 'concern', highlighting the element of worry or importance.

core question

Emphasizes that the 'issue' is fundamentally a question that needs to be answered.

fundamental matter

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the issue.

actual difficulty

Replaces 'issue' with 'difficulty', focusing on the problematic nature of the situation.

key challenge

Presents the 'issue' as a challenge that needs to be overcome.

central point

Focuses on the main idea or argument being discussed.

primary focus

Highlights the main area of attention or concentration.

crucial aspect

Emphasizes the importance and decisiveness of the issue.

underlying cause

Shifts the focus to the root cause of the issue, rather than the issue itself.

FAQs

What does "true issue" mean?

The "true issue" refers to the real or most important problem, concern, or matter that needs to be addressed in a particular situation or discussion.

What can I say instead of "true issue"?

You can use alternatives like "real problem", "genuine concern", or "core question" depending on the context.

How do I identify the "true issue" in a complex situation?

To identify the "true issue", analyze the situation thoroughly, look beyond the symptoms, and focus on the root causes or underlying problems that are driving the situation. Consider all perspectives and potential contributing factors.

Is "true issue" formal or informal?

The phrase "true issue" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication rather than the phrase itself.