a problematic topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a problematic topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a subject that presents challenges, controversies, or difficulties in understanding or addressing. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change is often seen as a problematic topic due to the varying opinions and misinformation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The floc formation, structure and strength remain a problematic topic to be addressed clearly to guide the flocculator design.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

It suggests, for example, that abortion is a problematic topic for the G.O.P. because young people "conflate" abortion with Planned Parenthood, contraception and women's health care in general — as though Republican officeholders and candidates across the country hadn't done their best to draw that connection.

The New York Times

It's pretty rare that the conversation gets to the point where I'd want to kill it because, I think it's… there's occasionally something that's very inflammatory or very, just a problematic topic comes up.

TechCrunch

Drone art is no new creative field, but it's always interesting to see an artistic interpretation of a problematic topic, especially when made through do-it-yourself means.

Vice

The project was titled after Adrienne Rich's seminal feminist text, Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution, in which she analyses the patriarchal construct of motherhood and discusses why it is such a problematic topic for many feminists.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Part of the initial appeal of the topic of "scientific explanation" was thus that it functioned as a more respectable surrogate for (or entry point into) the problematic topic of causation[1].

SEP

But there was a good reason for the most recent meeting, held on Tuesday night, to be different from most others: The subject was that most perplexing and problematic topic, diversity in advertising.

The New York Times

The future of Ariane 5 and how to maintain its competitiveness in the face of growing international competition was the most problematic topic going into the Ministerial Council.

BBC

Diagnostic pre-tests help to target instruction on particularly problematic topics characteristic of a population of students.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

There is also more than a modicum of freshness buried beneath the garlic sauce and bong water: a feeling we ought to have more comedies that approach problematic topics head on, to see what sort of absurdities rise to the surface.

The Guardian - Film

Choosing an appropriate scale of analysis is one of the most problematic topics, since it can profoundly affect the evaluation of single patch contribution to global connectivity.

Ecological Indicators

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a problematic topic", provide context to clarify why it is considered problematic. This helps the audience understand the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a topic as "a problematic topic" without specifying the exact issues or challenges it presents. Providing specific reasons makes your statement more informative and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a problematic topic" functions as a noun phrase, where "problematic" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "topic". It serves to categorize a subject as one that presents difficulties or challenges. As Ludwig AI points out, this implies the existence of issues that require careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a problematic topic" is a noun phrase used to describe a subject that presents difficulties, challenges, or complexities. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it is not exceedingly common, with only a few examples available, it serves a specific purpose in identifying subjects that require careful consideration. Alternatives include "a challenging subject" or "a difficult issue". When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific context to clarify the nature of the problem. The phrase has a neutral register and is appropriate for a wide range of audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging subject

Focuses on the difficulty presented by the topic.

a difficult issue

Highlights the complexity and potential for disagreement.

a sensitive subject

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential offense or emotional impact.

a thorny issue

Implies the topic is complex and likely to cause conflict.

a complex matter

Stresses the intricate nature of the subject.

a contentious issue

Highlights the likelihood of debate and disagreement surrounding the topic.

a delicate matter

Suggests the topic requires careful and tactful handling.

a tricky subject

Indicates the topic requires careful maneuvering and skill.

a vexing question

Emphasizes the frustrating and puzzling nature of the topic.

an intricate problem

Focuses on the detailed and complex nature of the problem presented by the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "a problematic topic" in a sentence?

You can use "a problematic topic" to describe a subject that causes difficulties, disagreements, or challenges. For instance, "The ethical implications of AI are "a problematic topic" for many researchers".

What are some alternatives to "a problematic topic"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a challenging subject", "a difficult issue", or "a sensitive subject", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a problematic topic"?

It is appropriate to use "a problematic topic" when you need to acknowledge that a subject has elements that are difficult to resolve, understand, or discuss without causing disagreement or concern.

Is "a problematic topic" the same as "a controversial topic"?

While both phrases indicate difficulty, "a problematic topic" suggests inherent challenges or difficulties, whereas "a controversial topic" specifically implies that the subject is likely to cause strong disagreement or debate.