To take issue with
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
بهطور تحتاللفظی: To grab or receive a problem/dispute with something
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A polite way to say you disagree with a specific point.
- Best used in professional, academic, or serious discussions.
- Follow it with 'with' and the thing you dislike.
معنی
When you 'take issue with' something, you are saying that you disagree with it or find it incorrect. It is a polite but firm way to challenge a statement, a policy, or someone's behavior.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6In a corporate meeting
I take issue with the suggestion that our budget was handled poorly.
I disagree with the claim that our budget was managed badly.
Discussing a movie with a friend
I really take issue with the ending of that film; it made no sense!
I strongly disagree with how that movie ended.
Writing a formal complaint
We take issue with the way the new policy was implemented without notice.
We are unhappy with how the new rule was started.
زمینه فرهنگی
In British English, 'taking issue' is a way to be extremely firm while appearing perfectly polite. It is often a 'polite warning' that a serious argument is coming. In American corporate culture, this phrase is used to 'depersonalize' conflict. It's 'business, not personal.' Globally, in English-medium universities, this is the standard way to disagree with a published author in an essay without sounding disrespectful. In both US and UK law, 'joining issue' or 'taking issue' remains a technical term for identifying the exact point where two parties disagree.
The 'I must' softener
Adding 'I must' or 'I have to' before 'take issue' makes you sound even more professional and reluctant to argue, which is very persuasive.
Singular only
Never say 'I take issues.' It marks you immediately as a non-native speaker. Keep it singular!
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A polite way to say you disagree with a specific point.
- Best used in professional, academic, or serious discussions.
- Follow it with 'with' and the thing you dislike.
What It Means
Imagine you are reading a news article. You see a sentence that is totally wrong. You don't just ignore it. You decide to point it out. That is when you take issue with that specific point. It means you have a bone to pick. You are signaling a formal disagreement. It is not a shouting match. It is a intellectual challenge.
How To Use It
You usually use the preposition with after the phrase. You can take issue with an idea, a person, or a specific fact. You can also add adverbs for flavor. Try saying you strongly take issue with something. It makes you sound very certain. If you want to be softer, say you must take issue with it. It sounds like you have no choice but to correct them. It is like a verbal red pen.
When To Use It
Use this in a business meeting. It is perfect when a colleague shares a wrong statistic. Use it when writing a complaint email. It sounds much more professional than saying "you are wrong." You can even use it with friends. Use it when they make a wild claim about your favorite movie. It adds a touch of mock-seriousness to the debate. It is the 'adult' way to start an argument.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for small, physical annoyances. If someone steps on your toe, don't say you take issue with their foot. That is just weird. Don't use it in a heated, emotional fight with a partner. It might sound too cold or robotic. Avoid it in very casual slang-heavy chats. If your friend says "this pizza is mid," don't reply with "I take issue with that." You will sound like a textbook.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from old legal and academic traditions. In law, an 'issue' is a specific point of dispute. By 'taking' it, you are choosing that specific hill to fight on. English speakers love to disagree without being aggressive. This phrase is the ultimate tool for that. It allows for 'civilized' conflict. It is very common in British and American political debates.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they 'have an issue' with something. That is more common and a bit more personal. Take issue with is more about the argument itself. Some people say they 'take umbrage,' but that is very old-fashioned. Stick to take issue with for a modern, sharp, and intelligent vibe. It shows you are paying attention to the details.
نکات کاربردی
This is a C2-level phrase because it requires an understanding of nuance. It sits in the 'formal' register but is frequently used in 'intellectual casual' settings. Avoid using it for trivial physical matters.
The 'I must' softener
Adding 'I must' or 'I have to' before 'take issue' makes you sound even more professional and reluctant to argue, which is very persuasive.
Singular only
Never say 'I take issues.' It marks you immediately as a non-native speaker. Keep it singular!
The 'Face' Saver
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone they are wrong without making them feel stupid in front of others.
Follow with 'because'
Always follow 'I take issue with X' with a 'because' or 'since' to provide your logical reasoning.
مثالها
6I take issue with the suggestion that our budget was handled poorly.
I disagree with the claim that our budget was managed badly.
Defending a department's reputation professionally.
I really take issue with the ending of that film; it made no sense!
I strongly disagree with how that movie ended.
Using formal language for a casual topic to add emphasis.
We take issue with the way the new policy was implemented without notice.
We are unhappy with how the new rule was started.
Expressing a collective grievance.
I must take issue with your claim that pineapple belongs on pizza.
I have to disagree with your opinion on pineapple pizza.
Using a serious phrase for a silly topic.
I take issue with how you spoke to the waiter earlier.
I am upset by the way you treated the waiter.
Addressing a behavioral concern directly.
I take issue with the third paragraph, let's chat later.
I don't agree with the third paragraph.
Quickly flagging a point of contention.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
I strongly take issue ____ the way the results were calculated.
The fixed idiom is 'take issue with'.
Which of these is the most appropriate use of 'take issue with'?
Choose the best context:
'Take issue with' is for formal/logical disagreements, not personal tastes or uncontrollable events.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb.
A: He said we were late. B: Well, I ____ issue with that, because we arrived five minutes early!
The dialogue is referring to a past event, so the past tense 'took' is required.
Match the phrase to the most likely speaker.
'I take issue with the methodology of this study.'
The formal and academic tone is typical of scientific discourse.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Disagreement Levels
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاI strongly take issue ____ the way the results were calculated.
The fixed idiom is 'take issue with'.
Choose the best context:
'Take issue with' is for formal/logical disagreements, not personal tastes or uncontrollable events.
A: He said we were late. B: Well, I ____ issue with that, because we arrived five minutes early!
The dialogue is referring to a past event, so the past tense 'took' is required.
'I take issue with the methodology of this study.'
The formal and academic tone is typical of scientific discourse.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNo, it is considered firm but polite. It is much less aggressive than saying 'You're wrong' or 'I disagree.'
Yes, it is perfect for professional emails where you need to dispute a point.
'Object to' is often used for actions or plans (I object to this building being built), while 'take issue with' is used for statements or ideas.
It is always 'with'. 'To' is incorrect in this idiom.
Yes, but it usually means you are taking issue with their *words* or *actions*, not their entire personality.
Yes, it is very common in both British and American English, especially in formal contexts.
No, do not use an article. It is always 'take issue', not 'take an issue'.
You can say 'I take *serious* issue with...' or 'I take *strong* issue with...'.
Probably not! It might make you sound like you are looking for a fight or being too formal.
Similar, but 'take issue with' is more intellectual and formal. 'Have a problem with' can be more emotional.
عبارات مرتبط
Take exception to
synonymTo object to something because you find it offensive or wrong.
At loggerheads
similarIn strong disagreement.
Split hairs
contrastTo argue about small, unimportant details.
Beg to differ
similarA very polite way to say you disagree.
