a knotty question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a knotty question" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means a difficult or complicated question or problem. Example: "The panel of experts spent hours trying to unravel the knotty question of how to reduce carbon emissions without damaging the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

That may be a legally sensible approach to a knotty question combining genetics, economics and ethics.

The Economist

If that's a knotty question, so is the broader one we face as a species.

The New York Times

In a second decision issued Wednesday, the court sidestepped a knotty question in a case over California's attempt to cut Medicaid payment rates.

The New York Times

So Maine, like other states, has found itself facing a knotty question: voters have said they wanted medical marijuana available, but how can it be legally distributed?

The New York Times

Which raises a knotty question: How many tokes can a driver take before the ability to control a vehicle is compromised to the point of being a danger on the road?

The New York Times

How this might play out in Westchester, where the median price of a home is now only a rock-skip from half a million dollars, is a knotty question.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That's a knottier question.

The New Yorker

It is a vexed and knotty question: Is Showalter in some way devaluing the achievements of the greatest American writers by giving equal or greater space to the less talented?

The New York Times - Books

The European Space Agency's Planck satellite, launched in 2009 and due to release a fresh trove of results in the coming months, will provide significantly higher sensitivity and resolution - probably putting an end to the knotty question altogether.

BBC

In his study, Judge Posner considered how often the Supreme Court had reversed the Ninth Circuit in a way that suggested simple error by the lower court, as opposed to a principled disagreement on a knotty legal question.

The New York Times

But that argument offers us no answers to the knotty question of freedom of expression, an idea to which we all think we subscribe.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a knotty question" to introduce a topic that requires careful consideration and admits no easy answers. It signals to the reader that the issue is complex and requires nuanced understanding.

Common error

While "a knotty question" is appropriate for complex issues, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "complex issue" or "challenging dilemma" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a knotty question" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a topic that is complex and challenging. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in diverse contexts, from legal matters to scientific inquiries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a knotty question" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to denote a complex, intricate, and challenging issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse sources, particularly news media. While versatile, it's important to wield it judiciously, avoiding overuse and considering alternatives like "a complex issue" or "a difficult problem" to maintain writing freshness. Its presence signals a topic needing careful thought, making it apt for formal and analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A thorny issue

Similar to "knotty" but emphasizes the potential for causing pain or conflict.

A thorny question

Emphasizes the difficulties and potential negative consequences associated with the question.

A complex issue

Highlights the multifaceted nature of the topic.

A complicated matter

Stresses the intricacy and complexity of the subject at hand.

An intricate problem

Focuses on the detailed and complex nature of the problem.

A difficult problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect rather than the intricacy.

A vexing matter

Highlights the irritating or frustrating nature of the question.

A baffling question

Highlights the confusing or incomprehensible nature of the question.

A challenging dilemma

Emphasizes the difficulty in finding a satisfactory solution.

A perplexing puzzle

Uses a metaphor to describe the question as something confusing and hard to solve.

FAQs

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

You can use "a knotty question" to introduce a complex problem or issue that requires careful consideration. For example, "The ethics of artificial intelligence presents "a knotty question" for policymakers."

What are some synonyms for "a knotty question"?

Alternatives to "a knotty question" include "a complex issue", "a difficult problem", or "a challenging dilemma". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a knotty question" in formal writing?

Yes, "a knotty question" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI explains, it appears frequently in news media and scientific contexts.

What makes a question "knotty"?

A "knotty" question implies that the issue is intricate, complicated, and difficult to resolve. It suggests that there are many interconnected factors that make finding a solution challenging.