a difficult issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or problem that is complex or challenging to address. Example: "The committee is currently debating a difficult issue that affects many members of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a difficult issue".

The New York Times

"That's a difficult issue.

The New York Times

"And it's a difficult issue.

The New York Times

But it's a difficult issue for her.

The Guardian - Film

Dick says this is a difficult issue.

The Guardian

"This is a difficult issue," he said.

The New York Times

But it is a difficult issue.

The New York Times - Sports

He added, "This is a difficult issue.

The Washington Post

"It's a difficult issue," Curlin said.

The Washington Post

Such leisurely progress on a difficult issue seems impossible today.

The Economist

Gastric variceal hemorrhage treatment remains a difficult issue for clinicians.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain a neutral tone when presenting "a difficult issue", especially in formal or professional settings. Avoid emotionally charged language that could bias the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult issue" without explaining why it's difficult. Simply stating that something is difficult without context can be vague and uninformative. Always provide details about the specific challenges or complexities involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult issue" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a common way to introduce a topic that presents challenges or complexities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult issue" is a versatile phrase used to describe complex or challenging problems across various domains. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Its communicative purpose is to introduce a topic requiring careful consideration. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, clarity and specificity are essential to provide context. Consider using alternatives such as "a challenging problem" or "a complex matter" depending on the situation. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian often employ the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging problem

This alternative focuses on the demanding nature of the issue, highlighting the need for effort and skill to resolve it.

a complex matter

This alternative emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the issue, suggesting a need for careful analysis and understanding.

a tough situation

This alternative highlights the adverse or unfavorable circumstances surrounding the issue, emphasizing the need for resilience and determination.

a delicate subject

This alternative focuses on the sensitive and potentially controversial nature of the issue, emphasizing the need for tact and diplomacy.

a sensitive topic

This alternative highlights the potential for causing emotional distress or offense, suggesting a need for careful consideration and respect.

a problematic situation

This alternative underscores the troublesome and potentially disruptive nature of the issue, emphasizing the need for prompt and effective action.

a thorny question

This alternative focuses on the difficulty and complexity of finding a satisfactory answer or resolution, suggesting a need for careful deliberation and compromise.

a sticky situation

This alternative highlights the potential for entanglement and difficulty in extricating oneself, suggesting a need for caution and strategic planning.

an intricate problem

This alternative emphasizes the complicated and interconnected nature of the problem, suggesting a need for a holistic and systematic approach.

a convoluted issue

This alternative focuses on the confusing and difficult-to-follow nature of the issue, suggesting a need for clarity and simplification.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a difficult issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging problem", "a complex matter", or "a tough situation" depending on the context.

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

Use "a difficult issue" to describe a problem or topic that is complex and hard to resolve. For example, "The committee is currently debating a difficult issue."

Is "a difficult issue" formal or informal?

"A difficult issue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose language that aligns with the overall tone.

What makes something "a difficult issue"?

A difficult issue is typically characterized by its complexity, lack of clear solutions, conflicting perspectives, or potential for negative consequences.