raise the issue

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomformal

   To bring a topic or problem to people's attention so it can be discussed.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'of' or 'about': raise the issue of pay; raise the issue with your manager.

   Patterns

   • raise the issue of something
   • raise the issue with someone
   • raise the issue at a meeting

   She raised the issue of safety at the start of the meeting.

   If you have a problem, raise the issue with your supervisor.

   The report raises the issue of how to pay for the new road.

2. 2phraseidiomformal

   To start a discussion about a subject that may be difficult or controversial.

   Grammar: Used when the topic is sensitive; 'bring up the issue' is a more informal alternative.

   Patterns

   • raise the issue again
   • raise the issue of whether

   He raised the issue again at the end of the meeting.

   The article raises the issue of whether the law is fair.

   No one wanted to raise the issue of the missing money.

Common combinations

raise the issue of

The lawyer raised the issue of privacy.

raise the issue with someone

Please raise the issue with the head teacher.

raise the issue at a meeting

She raised the issue at the monthly meeting.

raise the issue again

We may need to raise the issue again next year.

Synonyms and how they differ

bring up the issue

'Bring up' is more informal and common in everyday conversation; 'raise the issue' sounds more formal and is typical of meetings and reports.

raise the question

This focuses on a question that needs an answer, while 'raise the issue' focuses on a problem or topic for discussion.

Opposites

Commonly confused: raise the issue or rise the issue?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “raise the issue”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words