word choice - When do we say 'problem' or 'difficulty'; when do we say 'issue'?


My car has a funny knocking sound in the engine, so I telephone the garage. What do I say? 'I have a problem with my car'? or 'I have an issue with my car'?


My cousin is suffering clinical depression. Is this an 'issue' or an 'illness'?


My computer keeps crashing. I call the support people. Do I say my computer has an issue or that it is not working properly?


The dinner is burning in the oven. Sorry, dear, there is an issue concerning tonight's meal? Right or wrong?


A child is being bullied at school by an older child. Is this a 'pupil relationship issue' or is it 'child abuse'?


My neighbour's dog keeps barking and keeps us awake at night, so eventually I go to the neighborhood mediator. Do I tell him there is an 'issue with the dog', or that the 'bloody dog needs shooting'?


If there is dog's muck on the recreation ground where children play, is this an 'issue' or a 'disgrace'?


The word 'issue' has become ubiquitous, and things that were once 'problems' and 'difficulties', or needed fixing, are now 'issues'.


Sooner or later I am going to bawl down the phone at someone who says 'I understand there is an issue with a delivery of a parcel to your address'. Yes, there's an issue alright, it hasn't been delivered!


When is a problem a problem, and a fault a fault, a breakdown a breakdown, a failed delivery a failed delivery, and when is it an 'issue'?


Your ideas please.




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