a knotty problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"a knotty problem" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a complex or difficult issue. Example: "The team spent weeks trying to solve the company's budget deficit, but it remained a knotty problem that seemed impossible to untangle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Such a knotty problem!

The New York Times - Style

Here was a knotty problem to unravel,.

The New Yorker

It was a knotty problem.

The New York Times

Your generosity has solved a knotty problem!

The New York Times

A knotty problem, but it is at least one passengers can help out with.

Independent

But a closer look at his support base reveals a knotty problem.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Mercedes has a knottier problem.

The New Yorker

A knottier problem is its author's reliance on clichés.

The New York Times - Books

It's a knottier problem than it first appears, and to solve it Mr. Englert and Mr. Higgs made a dramatic suggestion.

The New York Times

A knottier problem is that (and there's no euphemistic way of saying this) the sort of stuff on show at the fair just isn't as interesting as it once was, at least not in terms of design.

The New York Times - Arts

A knottier problem, which applies not only to this exhibition but also to all of those dealing with socially and politically engaged design, is the difficulty of conveying the complexity of such projects, and their impact on vulnerable communities, some in perilous circumstances.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a knotty problem", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation that is not only difficult but also intricately complex, requiring careful and thoughtful consideration for resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "a knotty problem" for issues that are merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. This phrase is best reserved for situations with a high degree of complexity and interconnected factors, not everyday hiccups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a knotty problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "knotty" acts as an adjective modifying "problem". It serves to characterize a situation as complex and difficult to resolve, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a knotty problem" is a commonly used phrase to describe an issue that is not only difficult but also intricately complex. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly within news and media, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While alternatives like ""a complex dilemma"" or ""a difficult issue"" exist, "a knotty problem" specifically highlights the interwoven nature of the challenge. When using this phrase, ensure the situation genuinely warrants such a description to avoid misrepresenting the scale of the problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex dilemma

Replaces "knotty" with "complex" and "problem" with "dilemma", focusing on the intricate and perplexing nature of the situation.

a difficult issue

Replaces "knotty" with "difficult" and "problem" with "issue", emphasizing the challenging aspect of the matter.

a complicated matter

Replaces "knotty" with "complicated" and "problem" with "matter", highlighting the intricate nature of the situation.

an intricate challenge

Replaces "knotty problem" with "intricate challenge", focusing on the complexity and the demand for effort to resolve it.

a thorny question

Uses the metaphor of "thorny" instead of "knotty" to suggest a problem that is full of difficulties and likely to cause disagreement.

a perplexing puzzle

Replaces "knotty" with "perplexing" and "problem" with "puzzle", emphasizing the confusing nature of the situation.

a baffling situation

Replaces "knotty" with "baffling" and "problem" with "situation", underlining the bewilderment caused by the issue.

a delicate predicament

Highlights the sensitivity and potential risk associated with the problem.

a tricky situation

Replaces "knotty" with "tricky", focusing on the need for careful handling of the situation.

a complex quandary

Uses "quandary" to emphasize the state of uncertainty or perplexity over the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a knotty problem" to describe a complex or difficult issue that requires careful thought and attention. For example, "Solving climate change is "a knotty problem" that requires global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "a knotty problem"?

Alternatives to "a knotty problem" include "a complex dilemma", "a difficult issue", or "a complicated matter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a knotty problem" formal or informal?

"A knotty problem" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it suggests a level of complexity that makes it appropriate for professional or academic discussions as well.

What makes a problem "knotty" as opposed to just "difficult"?

A "knotty" problem implies a level of intricacy and interconnectedness that goes beyond simple difficulty. It suggests that the problem has multiple interwoven aspects that make it challenging to untangle and resolve, unlike "a difficult problem" which might be hard but straightforward.