In 15 Seconds
- Points out a significant problem triggered by new information.
- Best for professional meetings, academic writing, or serious debates.
- Signals critical thinking and a need for immediate discussion.
Meaning
You use this when a new fact or situation brings up a serious problem or question that needs to be solved. It's like pointing at a hidden trapdoor that everyone just walked over without noticing.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting about a new product
The prototype costs twice as much as planned; this raises the issue of our retail pricing strategy.
The prototype costs twice as much as planned; this brings up the problem of our pricing.
Discussing a friend's constant lateness
You've missed the last three dinners; this raises the issue of whether you actually value our time.
You missed three dinners; this makes me wonder if you care about our time.
A humorous take on a messy roommate
There is a literal mushroom growing in the sink, which raises the issue of your cleaning habits.
A mushroom is in the sink, which shows your cleaning is bad.
Cultural Background
In British academic and political discourse, 'raising the issue' is often a polite way to introduce a very sharp criticism. It is a form of 'hedging' where the speaker frames their disagreement as a general problem for everyone to solve. In American business culture, 'raising an issue' is seen as being 'proactive' and 'solution-oriented.' Employees are often encouraged to 'raise issues' early before they become 'blockers.' In Japanese corporate settings (Keiretsu), raising an issue directly in a large meeting can be seen as disruptive. It is more common to 'raise the issue' in smaller, informal 'nemawashi' meetings first. German communication is often direct (Sachlichkeit). 'Raising the issue' (die Frage aufwerfen) is expected if a flaw is found, and it is not taken personally but as a necessary step toward a perfect result.
Use it as a Pivot
Use this phrase to pivot a conversation from a boring list of facts to a deep, interesting discussion about consequences.
Don't Overuse It
If you 'raise an issue' every five minutes, you will sound like a contrarian or someone who just likes to complain.
In 15 Seconds
- Points out a significant problem triggered by new information.
- Best for professional meetings, academic writing, or serious debates.
- Signals critical thinking and a need for immediate discussion.
What It Means
This raises the issue is a sophisticated way to say, "Wait, we need to talk about this specific problem now." It suggests that a new piece of information has forced a difficult topic into the spotlight. Think of it as a red flag popping up during a conversation. It implies that the subject is important, slightly complex, and cannot be ignored any longer.
How To Use It
Place this phrase right after you mention a new fact or observation. It acts as a bridge between a simple statement and a deeper critique. You can follow it with of and a noun, or whether and a clause. For example, "The rain is leaking through the roof. This raises the issue of our landlord's negligence." It makes you sound sharp and observant. Just don't use it for tiny things, like running out of milk, or you'll sound like a dramatic philosopher.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to look professional or intellectually engaged. It’s perfect for business meetings when a budget doesn't add up. It works great in academic essays to transition to a new argument. You can even use it with friends when discussing a serious news story or a complex social dilemma. It signals that you are thinking two steps ahead of everyone else in the room.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very casual, lighthearted settings. If your friend forgets their umbrella, saying this raises the issue of your preparation sounds incredibly stiff and robotic. Don't use it for simple binary choices either. It’s meant for "issues"—things with layers and consequences. If you use it too often in a single conversation, you might come across as a bit of a contrarian or a "know-it-all."
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the tradition of Western logic and formal debate. It treats a conversation like a building where "issues" are heavy objects that must be lifted or "raised" for inspection. In English-speaking corporate and academic cultures, being the person who raises the issue is often seen as a sign of leadership and critical thinking. It shows you aren't just following the crowd; you're analyzing the path.
Common Variations
This brings up the issue(slightly more casual)This poses the question(more focused on a specific inquiry)This highlights the problem(focuses on visibility)This calls into question(more aggressive and skeptical)This begs the question(often used similarly, though technically different in formal logic)
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. It is most effective in writing or structured speech. Avoid using it in slang-heavy environments as it will create a significant 'clash' in tone.
Use it as a Pivot
Use this phrase to pivot a conversation from a boring list of facts to a deep, interesting discussion about consequences.
Don't Overuse It
If you 'raise an issue' every five minutes, you will sound like a contrarian or someone who just likes to complain.
Softening the Blow
In polite company, add 'I think' or 'Perhaps' before the phrase to make your criticism sound less aggressive.
Examples
6The prototype costs twice as much as planned; this raises the issue of our retail pricing strategy.
The prototype costs twice as much as planned; this brings up the problem of our pricing.
Connects a financial fact to a strategic problem.
You've missed the last three dinners; this raises the issue of whether you actually value our time.
You missed three dinners; this makes me wonder if you care about our time.
Used here to address a recurring personal conflict seriously.
There is a literal mushroom growing in the sink, which raises the issue of your cleaning habits.
A mushroom is in the sink, which shows your cleaning is bad.
Uses formal language for a ridiculous situation to create irony.
The new law allows data tracking; this raises the issue of personal privacy in the digital age.
The law allows tracking; this brings up the problem of privacy.
Classic use for discussing social or political implications.
The hotel doesn't allow dogs. This raises the issue: what do we do with Buster?
No dogs allowed. This means we have a problem: what about Buster?
Semi-formal but effective for logical planning via text.
Your argument is strong, but this raises the issue of how to implement your suggestions in real life.
Good argument, but how do we actually do it?
Constructive criticism focusing on practical application.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'raise'.
The sudden change in leadership ______ the issue of the company's future strategy.
The past simple 'raised' is correct here to describe a completed event that brought the issue to light.
Which sentence uses the phrase most appropriately for a formal report?
Select the best option:
This uses the correct verb (raise), the correct preposition (of), and a formal noun phrase (budget deficit).
Match the 'issue' being raised to the 'fact' that raised it.
Fact: The city is building a new highway through the park.
The issue must be a logical and serious consequence of the fact.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Speaker A: 'We've decided to move all our data to the cloud.' Speaker B: '_________________'
Data privacy is a logical 'issue' to raise when discussing cloud storage.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Issues Raised
Business
- • Budget
- • Staffing
- • Timeline
Ethics
- • Privacy
- • Bias
- • Fairness
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe sudden change in leadership ______ the issue of the company's future strategy.
The past simple 'raised' is correct here to describe a completed event that brought the issue to light.
Select the best option:
This uses the correct verb (raise), the correct preposition (of), and a formal noun phrase (budget deficit).
Fact: The city is building a new highway through the park.
The issue must be a logical and serious consequence of the fact.
Speaker A: 'We've decided to move all our data to the cloud.' Speaker B: '_________________'
Data privacy is a logical 'issue' to raise when discussing cloud storage.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'the issue' is more common when the problem is a direct, logical result of what was just said. 'An issue' sounds more like one of many possible problems.
Always prefer 'of'. 'This raises the issue of security' is much more natural than 'about security'.
Usually, yes. In a text to a friend, you'd say 'But what about...' or 'That might be a problem because...'
An 'issue' is a problem or a point of conflict. A 'question' is just something you want to know. Use 'issue' when you want to sound more critical.
Absolutely. 'The report raised the issue of safety' is perfectly correct.
No. It only implies that you have identified a problem. In fact, it's often used when the speaker *doesn't* have a solution yet.
Yes, 'brings up' is a slightly less formal synonym for 'raises'.
Both. 'The situation raises the issue' and 'John raised the issue during the meeting' are both common.
Yes, it shows you are analytical and can identify potential risks.
There isn't a direct opposite, but you might say 'resolving the issue' or 'dismissing the concern'.
Related Phrases
Raise the question
similarTo suggest a question that needs to be asked.
Bring to light
similarTo reveal something that was hidden.
Give rise to
builds onTo cause something to happen.
Flag a concern
specialized formTo quickly point out a potential problem.
