a provocative issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a provocative issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that is likely to cause strong reactions or debates among people. Example: "The debate over climate change remains a provocative issue that divides public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's a provocative issue".

The New York Times - Sports

As a team from Fox News prepared for this point in the debate, they knew they had a provocative issue on their hands.

The New York Times

My Sunday column on America's declining rates of workforce participation raised a provocative issue without addressing all the possible objections to my claim that this is something we should be concerned about.

The New York Times

"The Tenth Parallel" is a beautifully written book, full of arresting stories woven around a provocative issue -- whether fundamentalism leads to violence -- which Griswold investigates through individual lives rather than caricatures or abstractions.

The New York Times

A journalist and poet, Griswold trekked along a latitude line where two religions meet and often clash, and investigates a provocative issue — whether fundamentalism leads to violence — through individual lives in places like Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The New York Times - Books

Like the recent offerings at auction and in galleries of vintage prints from the picture archives of The New York Times and The Daily News, the show raised a provocative issue: does it matter that newspapers and magazines are selling the original prints from their archives?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

For all that, I tell her that I thought the film lacked edge, that it dealt with a potentially provocative issue in a very cosy Hollywood way.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a very emotionally provocative issue.

Huffington Post

This raises the provocative issue of what the effects of introducing a methanogenic archaea might be on the microbiota of the recipient.

Gut Microbes

The second provocative issue addressed by the inquiry concerned trade-offs in development priorities.

The Guardian

The citizenship policy has been perhaps the most provocative issue; in some sense, it represents the Estonian government's pointed response to what Stalin wrought.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a provocative issue" when you want to signal that the topic is likely to generate debate or challenge conventional thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "a provocative issue" in formal or academic writing where a neutral or objective tone is expected. Instead, opt for more neutral alternatives such as "a complex question" or "a debated topic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a provocative issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "provocative" is an adjective modifying the noun "issue". It describes the quality of the issue as being likely to evoke strong reactions or debate. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a provocative issue" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a topic that is likely to generate strong reactions or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While frequently found in news and media contexts, it is crucial to consider the audience and purpose of the writing. In formal or academic settings, more neutral alternatives like "a complex question" or "a controversial subject" may be more appropriate. Using this phrase effectively involves understanding its potential impact and framing it in a way that fosters thoughtful discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contentious matter

Replaces "provocative" with "contentious", suggesting a topic that is disputed or controversial.

a controversial subject

Emphasizes the controversial nature of the topic, implying disagreement or opposition.

a divisive topic

Emphasizes the issue's ability to create division or disagreement.

a sensitive topic

Highlights the delicate or potentially problematic nature of the subject.

a delicate question

Suggests the issue needs to be handled with care and consideration.

a thorny problem

Presents the issue as a difficult and complex challenge.

a challenging debate

Focuses on the debate surrounding the issue, emphasizing its complexity.

a thorny question

Replaces "issue" with "question" and suggests something intricate and difficult.

a heated argument

Highlights the intensity and emotional nature of the disagreement.

a vexing question

Indicates the issue is bothersome and difficult to resolve.

FAQs

What does "a provocative issue" mean?

The phrase "a provocative issue" refers to a topic or subject that is likely to evoke strong reactions, debate, or disagreement. It suggests that the issue is contentious and can challenge conventional thinking.

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

You can use alternatives such as "a contentious matter", "a controversial subject", or "a sensitive topic" depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "a provocative issue" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a provocative issue" might be too informal or biased for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "a complex question" or "a debated topic" in academic or professional settings.

How does "a provocative issue" differ from "a sensitive issue"?

"A provocative issue" suggests a topic is likely to cause strong reactions and potentially challenge beliefs. "A sensitive issue", on the other hand, implies the topic requires careful handling due to its potential to cause emotional distress or offense. Though they can overlap, "provocative" emphasizes debate, while "sensitive" emphasizes caution.