a sticky question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sticky question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a difficult or complicated question that may be uncomfortable to address. Example: "During the meeting, she raised a sticky question about the project's budget that left everyone in silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"That's a sticky question," Mr. Banks said.

The New York Times

She analyses a sticky question for a 21st-century intellect: the difference between heresy and true faith.

Independent

The survival of a modern-dance company that was the creation and showcase of one choreographer is always a sticky question after that person's death.

The New Yorker

— Joshua Brustein Facebook and LinkedIn Face a Sticky Question Minyanville.com | Both are trying to give users more reasons to use the sites often and to keep clicking while they are there.

The New York Times

Some teachers will just talk and talk and talk, so if you have one of them ask them a sticky question (get others to help with this).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And if a genetic test could shed light on the sticky question of "how did this happen to me," well that might well justify the cost of a DTC genetic test.

Huffington Post

Paul also left the new interfaith office pretty much to its own devices, thus avoiding the theologically sticky question of who, from the point of view of "dialogue" with a religion without hierarchies, could properly be said to speak authoritatively for Islam.

The New Yorker

Dr. Clancy's model also makes some sense of the whole sticky question of repressed memory.

The New York Times - Health

He and others said the State Department, after informing senior White House officials about Mr. Wang, had avoided that sticky question from that start by facilitating Mr. Wang's transfer to Beijing.

The New York Times

By comparison, a bilateral free-trade agreement raises trade by 45% over 20 years and GATT membership adds 285%.To tackle the sticky question of what is causing what, the authors check whether their variables can predict trade flows in years before container shipping is actually adopted.

The Economist

In awarding the prize to Mr. Kim, the Nobel Committee appeared to have decided to finesse the sticky question of equal recognition for his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Il, who welcomed the South Korean president to Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, for the June summit talks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sticky question" when you want to convey that a question is not only difficult to answer but also potentially uncomfortable or controversial.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid using "a sticky question" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "complex question" or "challenging question" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sticky question" functions as a noun phrase, where 'sticky' modifies 'question'. It denotes a particular kind of question that is problematic or delicate. As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sticky question" is a phrase used to describe a question that is difficult, sensitive, or controversial. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While less common than alternatives like "difficult question" or "tricky question", it effectively conveys a sense of discomfort or potential problems associated with the inquiry. It is most frequently found in News & Media, making it suitable for general discussions and writing, though careful consideration should be given to the context to prevent overuse in formal academic writing. Related terms include "a thorny question" or "a delicate question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A difficult question

Emphasizes the challenge in answering the question.

A tricky question

Highlights the potential for deception or hidden complexities in the question.

A complex question

Focuses on the multifaceted nature of the question.

A problematic question

Highlights the issues or difficulties that the question presents.

A thorny question

Implies that the question is sensitive and likely to cause disagreement.

A sensitive question

Underlines the delicate nature and potential for causing offense.

A delicate question

Similar to sensitive, but emphasizes the need for careful handling.

A contentious question

Highlights the likelihood of dispute and strong disagreement.

A challenging question

Focuses on the intellectual demands posed by the question.

A vexing question

Emphasizes the frustrating and puzzling nature of the question.

FAQs

What does "a sticky question" mean?

The phrase "a sticky question" refers to a question that is difficult, problematic, or uncomfortable to answer, often because it involves sensitive or controversial issues.

What can I say instead of "a sticky question"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult question", "a tricky question", or "a thorny question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While acceptable in many contexts, using more formal alternatives such as "a complex question" or "a challenging question" may be more suitable for academic or professional writing.

How does "a sticky question" differ from "a difficult question"?

While both refer to questions that are hard to answer, "a sticky question" implies an added layer of discomfort, sensitivity, or potential controversy that "a difficult question" may not necessarily convey.