raise an issue

Meaning

This phrase means to mention or bring up a problem, concern, or topic for discussion, especially so that it can be resolved. It is a polite and professional way to introduce a difficult subject in a meeting or email.

Examples

• I need to raise an issue regarding the security of our database.

  I need to raise an issue regarding the security of our database.

• During the meeting, several employees raised issues about the new remote work policy.

  During the meeting, several employees raised issues about the new remote work policy.

• If you notice any discrepancies in the report, please raise the issue immediately.

  If you notice any discrepancies in the report, please raise the issue immediately.

• She didn't want to raise an issue during the presentation, so she emailed the manager afterward.

  She didn't want to raise an issue during the presentation, so she emailed the manager afterward.

• Thank you for raising this issue; we will look into it right away.

  Thank you for raising this issue; we will look into it right away.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He rose an issue about the project timeline.

  ✓ He raised an issue about the project timeline.

  'Rise' is an intransitive verb and cannot take a direct object. You must use the transitive verb 'raise' to mean bringing something up.

• ✗ I want to raise up an issue in tomorrow's meeting.

  ✓ I want to raise an issue in tomorrow's meeting.

  The phrasal verb 'bring up' takes 'up', but the verb 'raise' does not require 'up' when referring to introducing topics or concerns.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you encounter any bugs in the software, please ___ with the IT department.

  💡 Bring up the problem.

  Show answer

  raise the issue

• I don't want to ___ during the client call, so let's discuss it internally first.

  💡 Mention a concern or problem.

  Show answer

  raise an issue