A thorny issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A thorny issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complex or difficult problem that may cause disagreement or controversy. Example: "The debate over climate change policies has become a thorny issue among lawmakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A thorny issue soon sprang up.

The New York Times

Privilege in art is a thorny issue.

Independent

Sports legacy is a thorny issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Immigration remains a thorny issue for some Europeans, Edelstein said.

Stanford University

Taylor's extradition remained a thorny issue for Liberian Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Security is a thorny issue, says student Yasmin Kamara.

The Guardian

For government policymakers, experimentation is a thorny issue.

The New York Times

But still, I don't see why it's a thorny issue.

The Guardian - Music

"This is a thorny issue," Mr. Wheeler said.

The New York Times

If cholesterol sounds like a thorny issue, consider oral contraceptives.

The New York Times

This election year, his spending could prove a thorny issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorny issue", ensure the context clearly indicates the reasons for its complexity or potential for disagreement. Provide specific details to illustrate the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorny issue" without explaining why the issue is complex or problematic. Readers need context to understand the challenges involved. Provide details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorny issue" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in identifying and describing complex or contentious topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorny issue" is a commonly used phrase to describe a problem or subject that is complex, sensitive, and difficult to resolve. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to explain the reasons for its complexity. Consider alternatives like "a difficult problem" or "a complex matter" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A difficult problem

Replaces "thorny" with a more general adjective, maintaining the core meaning of a challenging issue.

A complex matter

Substitutes "issue" with "matter" and "thorny" with "complex", highlighting the intricate nature of the subject.

A contentious topic

Highlights the disagreement and debate surrounding the issue.

A sensitive subject

Focuses on the potential for causing offense or disagreement, rather than the difficulty of the issue itself.

A problematic area

Focuses on the part of a situation or topic that causes difficulties.

A delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential negative consequences.

A vexing question

Emphasizes the frustrating nature of the issue.

A challenging question

Specifically frames the issue as a question that is hard to answer or resolve.

An intricate dilemma

Replaces "issue" with "dilemma", suggesting a difficult choice between alternatives.

A sticky wicket

An idiomatic expression indicating a difficult or awkward situation.

FAQs

What does "a thorny issue" mean?

The phrase "a thorny issue" refers to a problem or subject that is complicated and difficult to deal with, often causing disagreement or controversy.

How can I use "a thorny issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a thorny issue" to describe any complex problem. For example: "The debate over climate change policies has become "a thorny issue" among lawmakers."

What can I say instead of "a thorny issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult problem", "a complex matter", or "a sensitive subject" depending on the context.

What makes an issue "thorny"?

An issue becomes "thorny" when it involves multiple conflicting interests, complex factors, and potential for disagreement, making it challenging to resolve or address effectively. Issues with ethical implications can also become "a thorny issue".