a delicate question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a delicate question" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are asking a sensitive or difficult question that you think might be uncomfortable to answer. For example, "I must ask you a delicate question - can you explain what happened that night?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Which brings me to a delicate question.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mae, I have to ask a delicate question.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Thurmond's retirement has raised a delicate question here.

The New York Times

It would have been a delicate question under any circumstance.

The New York Times

It's a delicate question that can't be answered yet".

The New York Times

In a statement, Mr. Hollande said the arms embargo remained a delicate question.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

A more delicate question is whether actually performing an action is a sufficient condition for having the ability to perform that action.

SEP

In 1887 what The New York Tribune termed "a rather delicate question" arose with an applicant, Wiltshire Payne.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Last Wednesday evening, the White House convened a 90-minute meeting to tackle a looming, delicate question: What should be done with the Libyan dictator, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, if he were captured alive, either in Libya or in a neighboring country?

The New York Times

That is a particularly delicate question for someone like Ms. Ferguson, whose activism had made her a confidante for a number of victims who told her their stories but wanted to remain anonymous.

The New York Times

"To be ambitious, not overambitious, not underambitious – this is a very delicate question," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a delicate question", consider prefacing it with a statement acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic to prepare the audience.

Common error

Avoid posing "a delicate question" without providing sufficient context or background information. This can lead to misunderstandings or unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a question requiring careful handling due to its potential sensitivity or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an inquiry requiring careful and tactful handling. According to Ludwig, it’s suitable for various contexts, notably news, science, and formal communications. While predominantly neutral to formal, it necessitates mindful consideration of its potential impact. Remember to provide adequate context and be respectful of personal boundaries when employing this phrase. Alternative phrasing, like "a sensitive inquiry" or "a tricky issue", can offer nuance, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal synonym "inquiry" and "delicate" with "sensitive", emphasizing the need for careful handling.

a touchy subject

Indicates that the topic is easily upset or offended.

a tricky issue

Shifts from a question to an issue, highlighting the problematic nature of the subject matter.

a thorny issue

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential for pain or discomfort associated with the topic.

a fraught matter

Emphasizes the stress and potential for conflict associated with the topic.

a precarious matter

Highlights the instability or uncertainty surrounding the issue.

a challenging problem

Presents the question as a problem requiring careful consideration and a solution.

a subtle inquiry

Highlights the nuanced nature of the topic.

a contentious subject

Highlights the likelihood of disagreement or debate surrounding the topic.

a complex matter

Highlights the intricate nature of the topic.

FAQs

How can I introduce "a delicate question" in a conversation?

You can preface it with phrases like "I have a sensitive question to ask" or "I hope you don't mind me asking, but...". This acknowledges the potential for discomfort. Be mindful of the recipient's reaction and adjust your approach accordingly.

What are some alternative ways to phrase "a delicate question"?

Consider using phrases like "a sensitive inquiry", "a tricky issue", or "a touchy subject" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to ask "a delicate question"?

It's best to ask such questions in private and when you have established a certain level of trust with the other person. Consider their emotional state and the potential impact of your question.

How do I respond if someone asks me "a delicate question" that I don't want to answer?

You can politely decline to answer by saying something like, "I'm not comfortable discussing that right now" or "I'd prefer not to answer that, if you don't mind". It's important to set boundaries while remaining respectful.