weighty issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weighty issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult problem that requires careful consideration or a thoughtful solution. For example, "Developing an equitable healthcare system is a weighty issue that requires careful thought and analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's a weighty issue.

The Guardian - Sport

"And this potency could be like an unwieldy and unwantedly weighty issue.

The Guardian - Music

On almost every other weighty issue, the professional classes appear to be better informed than the rest of the population.

The Guardian - Opinion

He believes that behind the textual controversy lurks a weighty issue bearing upon the state of democracy and spirituality in the European Union.

Columbia University

But the black-and-white morality that was appropriate to an all-out action movie is trickier in a film about such a weighty issue.

Independent

The nation's street poets have moved beyond their usual subject matter (flashy cars, loose women, the joys of marijuana) to grapple with the weighty issue of gun violence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Sometimes when one is writing the weighty, issue-laden tome that is Fashion Statement, a subject just leaps off the page and yells 'COVER ME!' It is thus with this week's dilemma: in a shocking move (if the sun rising in the morning counts as shocking) Tyra Banks has announced she is writing her first novel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's about weighty issues.

The New York Times

Clearly these are all weighty issues.

The Guardian - Sport

Fortunately, other colleges are dealing with far less weighty issues.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Benitez withheld predictions on those weighty issues.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weighty issue", ensure that the context clearly indicates the importance and complexity of the subject. Avoid using it for trivial matters.

Common error

While "weighty issue" is a valid phrase, avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "big problem" or "serious matter" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weighty issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "weighty" modifies "issue" to emphasize its importance and seriousness. It is commonly used to identify a problem or topic that demands careful consideration as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weighty issue" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a significant and complex problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal writing and discussions, particularly in news, academic, and professional contexts. While alternatives like "serious matter" or "critical problem" exist, "weighty issue" emphasizes the burden and importance of the subject. Remember to reserve its use for appropriate contexts to maintain clarity and avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious matter

Focuses on the gravity and potential consequences of the issue.

critical problem

Emphasizes the urgency and potential impact of the problem.

significant concern

Highlights the level of worry or importance attached to the issue.

grave situation

Underscores the seriousness and potential danger of the circumstances.

substantial challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and effort required to address the issue.

momentous question

Highlights the importance and long-term implications of the matter being considered.

pressing dilemma

Emphasizes the urgent need for a solution to the problem.

profound subject

Highlights the depth and complexity of the issue being discussed.

consequential topic

Focuses on the far-reaching effects and significance of the issue.

vital question

Emphasizes the crucial importance of the issue to a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "weighty issue" to describe a significant problem or topic that needs careful consideration. For example, "Climate change is a "weighty issue" that requires global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "weighty issue"?

Alternatives include "serious matter", "critical problem", or "significant concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "weighty issue" in all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "weighty issue" is more suitable for formal writing, reports, or discussions of serious topics. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives that are more conversational.

What makes an issue "weighty"?

An issue is considered "weighty" when it has significant implications, requires careful consideration, and often involves complex factors or potential consequences. It is not a trivial or easily resolved matter.