A difficult subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A difficult subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or area of study that is challenging to understand or engage with. Example: "Mathematics has always been a difficult subject for many students, but with practice, it can become more manageable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a difficult subject.

The Guardian

Suicide is a difficult subject to contemplate.

Harvard University

It's a difficult subject to discuss openly.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a difficult subject," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a difficult subject to discuss.

The New York Times - Health

How will you make a difficult subject interesting and accessible?

The New York Times

It laudably raised awareness of a difficult subject.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It was a difficult subject to broach," Ms. Harkness said.

The New York Times

Indeed, it is a difficult subject within the gay community.

The New York Times

But Dave is a difficult subject for a picture book.

The New York Times - Books

I knew it would be a difficult subject.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a difficult subject", provide context and acknowledge the potential challenges or sensitivities involved. This prepares your audience and encourages thoughtful engagement.

Common error

Avoid trivializing "a difficult subject" by presenting simplistic solutions or ignoring its complexities. Acknowledge the nuances and encourage deeper exploration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult subject" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" is an adjective modifying the noun "subject". It identifies a topic or area of discussion that presents challenges in understanding, comprehension, or handling. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a difficult subject" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a challenging topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It finds prominence across diverse fields like News & Media, Academia, and Science, signaling its versatility. When employing this phrase, remember to provide context and acknowledge sensitivities to foster meaningful engagement. The phrase conveys a communicative purpose to introduce a topic that requires careful consideration, explanation, or approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A challenging topic

Focuses on the challenging nature of the topic, rather than its difficulty.

A problematic issue

Emphasizes the problematic aspects of the subject.

A complex matter

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the subject.

A tough question

Indicates the subject presents a challenging question.

A sensitive issue

Indicates the topic requires careful handling due to its sensitivity.

A thorny problem

Implies the subject is prickly and difficult to resolve.

A delicate situation

Focuses on the fragility and need for careful management.

A contentious topic

Highlights the likelihood of disagreement and debate.

A demanding area

Emphasizes the effort and skill required to master the subject.

A perplexing question

Suggests the topic is confusing and hard to understand.

FAQs

How can I introduce "a difficult subject" in writing?

Start by acknowledging the complexity or sensitivity of the topic. You might say, "Addressing this issue is "a difficult subject", but it's crucial to understand the nuances."

What are some alternative ways to phrase "a difficult subject"?

You could use phrases like "a challenging topic", "a complex matter", or "a sensitive issue depending on the specific context".

Is it appropriate to use "a difficult subject" in formal writing?

Yes, "a difficult subject" is appropriate for formal writing, as it clearly and professionally conveys the challenging nature of the topic. It is commonly used in academic papers, news articles, and business reports.

How does "a difficult subject" differ from "a tough subject"?

"A difficult subject" generally refers to a topic that is intellectually challenging or complex. "A tough subject" can also imply emotional difficulty or sensitivity, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the intellectual challenge.