A difficult matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A difficult matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is complex or challenging to address. Example: "The committee is currently deliberating on a difficult matter that requires careful consideration and input from all members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

BRITO: The manufacturers are a difficult matter.

The New York Times

What to do about it is a difficult matter.

University of California, Berkeley

This may be, but how much faster is a difficult matter to ascertain.

University of California, Berkeley

But understanding the mechanisms of this complicated process is a difficult matter.

Harvard University

"THE naming of cats is a difficult matter, it isn't just one of your holiday games".

The Economist

In his case, however, defining that original audience is a difficult matter.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Even while she approaches a difficult subject matter, McNaught also captures the beauty of each animal in her pieces.

Vice

It's an elegant poem about a difficult subject matter, and that, of course, is the key to so much brilliant poetry.

Los Angeles Times

When Ackerley wrote "My Father and Myself," which he worked on for the last thirty-four years of his life, he reached a new level of candor, and not about a dog but about human beings, a more difficult matter.

The New Yorker

This example shows that the obtained stability conditions are sufficient and very close to be necessary; on the other hand, the proposed results make it possible to avoid searching a common Lyapunov function, which is a very difficult matter in this case.

Advances in Difference Equations

But happiness is a complicated, difficult matter, and in "Happy-Go-Lucky" it's also a question of faith.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a difficult matter" when you want to convey that a situation requires careful consideration and effort to resolve.

Common error

While acceptable in various settings, avoid using "a difficult matter" excessively in casual conversations, as simpler alternatives might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult matter" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes something that is challenging or problematic. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

31%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult matter" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something challenging or complex. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, primarily news, academic, and scientific writing. While "a challenging issue" or "a complex situation" can serve as alternatives, "a difficult matter" maintains a slightly more formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants a level of seriousness and complexity, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Overall, it's a reliable choice for conveying that a particular subject requires thoughtful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A challenging issue

Focuses on the difficulty being a challenge rather than a matter.

A complex situation

Emphasizes the complexity involved, rather than the inherent difficulty.

A problematic subject

Highlights the subject as causing problems or difficulties.

A tough question

Narrows the difficulty to a question needing answering.

A delicate situation

Suggests the situation needs to be handled with care.

A thorny issue

Uses a metaphor to describe the issue as being prickly and hard to deal with.

A tricky problem

Indicates the problem is deceptive and requires careful handling.

A perplexing question

Focuses on the question being confusing and hard to understand.

A complicated affair

Highlights the intricacy and involvement of many parts.

A knotty problem

Uses a metaphor to indicate a problem that's entangled and difficult to resolve.

FAQs

How can I use "A difficult matter" in a sentence?

You can use "A difficult matter" to describe a problem or situation that requires careful consideration and is not easily resolved. For example: "Resolving the budget deficit is "a difficult matter"."

What are some alternatives to "A difficult matter"?

Alternatives include "a challenging issue", "a complex situation", or "a tough question", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "A difficult matter" in formal writing?

Yes, "A difficult matter" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a sense of seriousness and complexity suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What makes something "A difficult matter"?

A subject becomes ""a difficult matter"" when it involves multiple factors, requires careful analysis, and does not have an easy or straightforward solution.