well-known issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well-known issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an issue that is well known among a particular group of people, either because it has been widely discussed or is a common problem. For example: "Discrimination in the workplace is a well-known issue that needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

She noted that "virtually every well-known brand, or even well-known issue, has a communications program behind it.

The New Yorker

There is the well-known issue that Chinese characters don't systematically map to sounds, making both learning and remembering difficult, a point I examine in my latest column.

The New York Times

What needs to be done is by now well-known: Issue European bonds, using the collective borrowing power of the European Union, and pass the low interest rates onto the countries in need, combined with a growth strategy that will engender needed revenues.

The New York Times

Scalability is a well-known issue in multi-hop networking.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Chloride induced corrosion in concrete is a well-known issue.

Construction and Building Materials

Demand side energy consumption scheduling is a well-known issue in the smart grid research area.

Heliyon

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

One of Johnson's well-known issues of the day is his attempt to legalize marijuana.

The Guardian

He adds: Of course, Moss comes with all the well-known issues, but his deal will be extraordinarily team-friendly because Moss has something to prove.

The New York Times

"We don't want to spend 10 years negotiating what are well-known issues and not reach a result," Michael Froman, the U.S. deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs, said on a conference call with reporters Wednesday.

The New York Times

The vast trade in shark fins and turtles will also come under attack, as will the large-scale felling of tropical rosewood and sandalwood, as well as less well-known issues such as Indonesia's huge exports of frogs' legs, and the trade in cheetahs and python skins.

The Guardian

In a 2003 presentation, a propellant expert at TRW, which also made airbags with ammonium nitrate for several years in the early 2000s, outlined what he called "well-known issues" with using the compound, warning of "conditions that stimulate an explosive response".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "well-known issue", ensure you briefly contextualize it for your audience, even if it seems obvious. This helps avoid assumptions and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Common error

Avoid using "well-known issue" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-known issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "well-known" modifies the noun "issue". This construction highlights that the issue in question is not new or obscure but rather commonly acknowledged.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "well-known issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a problem or topic that is widely recognized. As Ludwig confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, though it leans towards a neutral to formal register. It's frequently used in science, news, and business domains to introduce topics that require further discussion or analysis. While using the phrase is generally acceptable, it's crucial to provide context and avoid overusing it. Alternatives like "established problem" or "recognized challenge" can add variety and nuance to your writing. Remember to always contextualize even a "well-known issue" to ensure clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly known difficulty

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the difficulty aspect.

widely recognized problem

Highlights the broad acknowledgment of the issue as a problem.

established problem

Focuses more on the problem's long-standing existence.

long-standing problem

Focuses on the issue's existence over a long period.

recognized challenge

Highlights the difficulty aspect and widespread acknowledgment.

generally accepted challenge

Focuses on the acceptance of the issue as a challenge.

common concern

Emphasizes that many people share the worry about the issue.

prevalent matter

Stresses the widespread nature and importance.

ubiquitous issue

Stresses the presence of the issue everywhere.

notorious difficulty

Implies the issue is famous for being problematic.

FAQs

How can I use "well-known issue" in a sentence?

You can use "well-known issue" to refer to a problem or topic that is widely recognized. For example, "Climate change is a "well-known issue" that demands immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "well-known issue"?

Some alternatives include "established problem", "recognized challenge", or "common concern". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "widely well-known issue"?

Yes, saying "widely well-known issue" is generally considered redundant. "Well-known" already implies that something is widely known, so adding "widely" is unnecessary.

What's the difference between "well-known issue" and "emerging issue"?

"Well-known issue" refers to a problem that has been recognized and discussed for some time. In contrast, "emerging issue" describes a problem that is just beginning to gain attention or recognition.