You hear this word used quite a bit in the media, in business and in diplomatic circles, and I’m sure you’ve heard it too at corporate events and management meetings.
Issue is a more neutral way of describing a problem, or something that is being discussed and debated.
Whether to use the word issue or problem can be a matter of perspective. I once worked for a company where our salaries were becoming a problem to us employees, but where our managers called our pay negotiations an ongoing issue.
10 ways to use issue
1. To mean big or important:
It’s a vital | burning | critical | key | major | serious issue.
2. To mean it’s small or not so important:
It’s a minor | insignificant | tiny | side | non issue.
3. To say an issue is creating lively debate or argument or is controversial:
It’s a contentious | thorny | issue.
4. To say we need to be careful how we word things, perhaps because of the possible negative reaction:
It’s a sensitive | delicate | touchy issue.
5. To say that we need to look at the bigger picture:
The real | wider | larger issue here is…
6. To summarise or highlight what the issue is:
The real | fundamental | basic issue is…
7. To highlight the fact the issue is not yet solved:
It’s an unresolved | ongoing issue.
8. To specify what type of issue it is:
It’s a safety | environmental | public health | economic | security | constitutional | ethical issue
9. To highlight how wide the issue is in terms of location:
It’s a local | domestic | regional | global issue
10. To highlight someone’s personal problems:
Don’t ask him about his mother, he has issues about his past.
I don’t want to dad a girl who’s got daddy issues.
She’s got issues about her looks.
10 Verbs that go with issue
1. discuss, go over,
2. investigate, go into
3. resolve, settle
4. deal with
5. explore
6. mention, touch on
7. raise, bring up
8. tackle, deal with
9. highlight, pinpoint
10. address
Other phrases
“Look, we weren’t able to pay you on time due to the bank holiday. It should arrive tomorrow, please don’t make an issue out of this.”
“If we announce a strike next week, it might force the issue.” (= make it sooner where the issue has to be resolved or decided)
“I take issue with your thoughts on gay marriage.” (= a more formal way to disagree about something or with someone)
“Do we have an issue here, mate?” (= a way of asking someone if you have a problem to argue about or fight over or discuss)
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