a knotty issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a knotty issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complex or difficult problem that is challenging to resolve. Example: "The debate over climate change policy has become a knotty issue for lawmakers, with many differing opinions on the best approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

James Brown of the Museum of Broadcast Communications said it "explore[d] a knotty issue facing media people in contemporary society, focusing on how investigating and reporting those issues impact on the layers of personalities populating a complex newspaper publishing company".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

President Obama is so much better when he takes a heated, knotty issue, like civil rights or banking reform, and talks to the country like adults.

The New York Times

For, as Mat Hunter, chief design officer at the Design Council, points out: "There is just as much scope to improve experiences of services through innovation in healthcare, but trying to kickstart designs can be a particularly knotty issue".

The Guardian

UNITED NATIONS — With the international treaty seeking to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons already wobbly, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called for it to be buttressed with renewed commitments toward disarmament and for tackling the knotty issue of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

There is only time for one more question and it has to be about his performance in his first year as president and that key fourth pillar of his election manifesto: the development of women's cycling and the knotty issue of a minimum wage for women riders.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition to our broken food production system -- a system that tortures animals and poisons people and the planet on which we all depend, I hope the scandal about horses in Whoppers and meatballs encourages a real dialogue about this knotty issue.

Huffington Post

Even a last-minute announcement that a deal had been reached on the knotty issue of drug trafficking failed to boost Mr Santos in the election.

The Economist

On Thursday, Cuomo and his staffers wrapped up negotiations with three Senate Republicans over one final knotty issue that had prevented a floor vote until then -- the question of how many exemptions should be granted to religious groups and individuals who oppose gay marriage.

Huffington Post

At stake instead, he wrote, was a knotty legal issue over whether the city's regulation amounted to a mandate to buy hybrids.

The New York Times

He added, however, that integrating data from tax returns and using it to meet customer needs, which Block is exploring, creates a knotty privacy issue.

The New York Times

And now it is the knotty issue of immigration that has made him a local cause célèbre, thrust him into one of the nation's most contentious debates, jeopardized his future and sent a current of fear through the $550-billion-plus restaurant industry.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a knotty issue" when you want to emphasize the complexity and difficulty of a problem that requires careful consideration and a thoughtful approach.

Common error

While "a knotty issue" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a tough problem" or "a tricky situation" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a knotty issue" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It describes a specific type of problem, one that is complex and challenging. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a knotty issue" is a well-established and grammatically sound expression used to describe a complex and challenging problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it's most prevalent in news and media contexts, it also appears in science and business domains. When considering alternatives, phrases like "a complex problem" or "a difficult situation" can be used, especially in more informal settings. Remember to use "a knotty issue" when you want to emphasize the intricacy of a situation, and be mindful of your audience to ensure the register is appropriate. As the linguistic analysis shows, the communicative purpose of "a knotty issue" is to highlight that careful consideration is needed to solve that issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex problem

Focuses on the intricate nature of the problem.

a difficult situation

Emphasizes the challenging aspects of the situation.

a thorny problem

Highlights the troublesome and potentially painful aspects of the problem.

a complicated matter

Stresses the complex and convoluted nature of the issue.

a challenging question

Emphasizes the difficulty in finding a suitable answer or resolution.

an intricate dilemma

Highlights the delicate and complex nature of the dilemma.

a perplexing puzzle

Focuses on the confusing and baffling aspects of the situation.

a tough predicament

Stresses the difficult and unenviable position one is in.

a delicate subject

Emphasizes the sensitivity and potential for controversy surrounding the topic.

a vexing question

Highlights the annoying and frustrating aspects of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a knotty issue" to describe a problem that is complex and difficult to resolve. For example: "The question of funding for public schools remains "a knotty issue" for the city council".

What are some alternatives to "a knotty issue"?

Some alternatives to "a knotty issue" include "a complex problem", "a difficult situation", or "a thorny problem". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a knotty issue" formal or informal?

"A knotty issue" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly formal expression. It's suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, and business communications.

What makes an issue "knotty"?

An issue is considered "knotty" when it is complex, tangled, and difficult to untangle or resolve. It implies that the issue has many interconnected parts and potential complications.