universal issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "universal issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or concern that affects people globally or is relevant to all individuals regardless of their background. Example: "Climate change is a universal issue that requires collective action from all nations to address effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I view it as a universal issue, much bigger than party politics".

The New York Times

This is a universal issue that affects us all, liberal and conservative, and it should be addressed as such".

Independent

Two years ago I was at an international conference discussing the universal issue of a rapidly ageing population.

The Guardian

"But having said that, this is a universal issue and there is no culture or religion that should accept this.

The Guardian

Others, like "nausea" are so common — it's listed on 75 percent of drug labels — that they almost seem like a universal issue.

The New York Times

A reminder that "human rights" is a universal issue rather than an empty poltical buzz word, with 28 searing films from around the world.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Universal issues are, apparently, not their concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am deeply concerned with universal issues".

The New York Times - Arts

Many address universal issues like consumerism, waste and the environment.

The New York Times - Arts

"Human rights and business law are universal issues.

The Guardian

By the 1980s French Canadian theatre again became concerned with broader universal issues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "universal issue", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the broad applicability and relevance of the subject to a wide range of people or situations. For example: "Access to clean water is a "universal issue" that demands immediate attention."

Common error

Avoid using "universal issue" when the issue is only relevant to a specific group or region. This can lead to miscommunication and dilute the importance of genuinely global concerns. For example, instead of saying "High housing costs are a "universal issue"", when the problem is mainly relevant to specific cities, be specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "universal issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it identifies a problem or topic that is broadly relevant and affects people across various geographical locations and demographics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "universal issue" is a noun phrase used to describe a problem or topic of broad relevance, affecting people across different locations and demographics. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the issue genuinely affects a wide range of people and to avoid overstating its universality. Alternatives like ""global problem"" or ""widespread concern"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worldwide phenomenon

Emphasizes that the phenomenon is happening across the globe.

global challenge

It underscores the scale and difficulty of the problem on a global level.

global problem

Emphasizes the worldwide scope of the problem.

widespread concern

Highlights the broad level of worry or unease about the issue.

shared concern

Focuses on how the issue is a worry to several people.

common challenge

Focuses on the difficulties faced by many.

general problem

It focuses on the wide occurrence of a particular problem.

international matter

Suggests the issue involves multiple countries.

prevalent subject

Indicates the issue is frequently discussed or observed.

ubiquitous phenomenon

Highlights the widespread and seemingly ever-present nature of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "universal issue" to describe a problem or topic that affects many people worldwide. For example, "Climate change is a "universal issue" that requires global cooperation."

What are some synonyms for "universal issue"?

Alternatives include "global problem", "widespread concern", or "common challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe a local problem as a "universal issue"?

No, "universal issue" should be reserved for problems that genuinely affect a broad range of people or places globally. Using it for a local problem can be misleading and diminish the importance of actual global concerns.

What's the difference between "universal issue" and "international matter"?

"Universal issue" implies relevance to all individuals or communities regardless of location, while "international matter" specifically refers to issues involving multiple countries or governments.