a painful issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a painful issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or problem that causes emotional or physical distress. Example: "The debate over climate change has become a painful issue for many communities affected by natural disasters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"This was such a painful issue for us," she said.

The New York Times

Gulowsen describes CCS as a "painful" issue that "absolutely divided the environmental movement" in Norway.

The Guardian

"There was an issue, a painful issue, and it was put to an end immediately".

The New York Times - Sports

Chatfield's disclosure was certainly brave, and I have sympathy for what is clearly a painful issue for her.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a difficult issue for members of my family, and it's a painful issue," Mr. Kennedy conceded.

The New York Times

Truls Gulowsen, the director of Greenpeace Norway describes carbon capture as a "painful" issue that "absolutely divided the environmental movement" in the Scandinavian country.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But in the end, statistics, jokes and protests aside, it is the highly personal and emotional content of the abortion debate — not the theory or the numbers or the science — that fires it up and makes it such a potent and painful issue.

The New York Times

On the one hand she has become a national spokesperson for suicide prevention which is a very heavy, very painful issue.

Huffington Post

Mackenzie Phillips' is shining a light on the painful issue of family incest.

Huffington Post

This is a very delicate (and often emotionally painful) issue, which requires empathy and compassion.

WikiHow

Brown is plying his trade in the era of Rodney King and OJ Simpson, when police tactics and the race war became a painful national issue: he himself beats the hell out of someone evading arrest and an amateur video finds its way on to the nightly news.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust your language accordingly. In sensitive situations, opt for more empathetic and understanding phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "a painful issue" repeatedly when discussing sensitive topics. Vary your language with synonyms like "a sensitive matter" or "a delicate situation" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a painful issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "painful" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "issue". It's used to identify a topic or situation that causes distress or difficulty as Ludwig AI highlights.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a painful issue" effectively describes a topic that evokes distress or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly within News & Media contexts. While it is acceptable in various settings, consider synonyms like "a sensitive matter" or "a difficult subject" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the source of the pain and tailor your language to suit your audience for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive matter

Focuses on the delicate nature of the topic, rather than the emotional distress it causes.

a difficult subject

Highlights the complexity and challenge in addressing the topic.

a sore point

Emphasizes the potential for irritation and conflict when discussing the topic.

a delicate situation

Implies the need for careful handling and consideration.

a troubling question

Suggests the topic is a source of worry and uncertainty.

an agonizing dilemma

Highlights the severe emotional distress associated with the topic.

a contentious debate

Focuses on the disagreement and conflict surrounding the topic.

a vexing problem

Emphasizes the frustration and annoyance caused by the topic.

a traumatic experience

Highlights the deeply distressing and impactful nature of the event.

a regrettable circumstance

Implies that something undesirable happened which is worthy of regret.

FAQs

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

You can use "a painful issue" to describe a topic or problem that causes emotional or physical distress. For example, "The debate over climate change has become "a painful issue" for many communities affected by natural disasters."

What can I say instead of "a painful issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a distressing matter", "a troubling concern", or "a sensitive topic" depending on the context.

Is "a painful issue" formal or informal?

The phrase "a painful issue" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for neutral or professional communication. In highly formal settings, consider using more nuanced language.

Which is more appropriate: "a painful issue" or "a sensitive issue"?

Both "a painful issue" and "a sensitive issue" are acceptable, but they have slightly different connotations. "A painful issue" emphasizes the emotional distress or difficulty associated with the topic, while "a sensitive issue" highlights the need for careful handling and consideration.