Address an issue means start dealing with a problem: discuss it and take action. Address here has nothing to do with a street address or a speech. You'll see it in reports, emails and news: the update addresses an issue means the update fixes a bug. If the problem is gone for good, say resolve or fix.
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address an issue/problem/concern; an issue needs to be addressed
- The council will address the issue of poor lighting at its next meeting.
- The update addresses an issue that prevented files from opening.
- We need to address these concerns before ordering more equipment.
What changed
First versionThe report addresses to the issue of unequal access.
RevisionThe report addresses the issue of unequal access.
Address a letter to someone is a familiar pattern, so to slips in after address here too. But when address means deal with, the object comes straight after it: address the issue. Drop to, and the sentence works.
Raise an issue means bring it up, address it means deal with it, resolve it means settle it for good. A reply like We will address this promises work, not a result. When the problem is gone, say: The issue has been resolved.
Your turn
The committee will address ___ issue at its next meeting.
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the — Address takes its object directly: address the issue. To belongs in address a letter to someone, where you name who receives it.
Write which problem in your area or at work should be dealt with first. Use address the issue of.
The library should address the issue of limited seating before extending its opening hours.
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