public issue — community problem
collocationB2IELTS 5.5+neutraloccasional
A problem or topic that affects many people in society and is discussed or debated by the public.
Say it like a native
Textbook It has become a matter of concern to society at large.
Native It's become a real public issue.
'A matter of concern to society at large' is essay-speak; 'public issue' is plain.
Pattern: public issue (noun phrase); a/an/the public issue of [topic]
In use
- Climate change has become a major public issue around the world.society
- In my opinion, pollution is the most important public issue in my country because it affects everyone's health and quality of life.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It's a publical issue.
✓ It's a public issue.
It's 'public' — there's no word 'publical'.
Common collocations
a public issue— a public issue, public concern, a matter of public interest, raise the issue
Don't confuse it
Unlike a 'private issue', a 'public issue' involves many people and is often discussed in the news or by government.