a subtle problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subtle problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that is not immediately obvious or is difficult to detect, often requiring careful consideration to understand. Example: "The report highlighted a subtle problem in the data analysis that could lead to misleading conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Stewart's work on childhood leukemia, though, was based on about one extra case per 2,000 babies, a subtle problem.

The New York Times - Books

It is a subtle problem, and of course subtlety is not what we deal in when we talk about ideas generally, and especially when we talk about gamification.

The Guardian - Tech

There is a subtle problem associated with these criteria, however, as larger projects often have one or more research scientists that design how data is to be collected and may have a technician or set of technicians who configure the instruments or carry out the specified analyses.

Science Magazine

Moreover, in his proof the author cleverly overcomes a subtle problem deriving from a direct application of Theorem 4 with t=0: the result would be an initial portfolio value which is ({mathcal {G}}_{0+} -measurable, while it is desirable to have it deterministic as obtained in Theorem 3.2 in Nutz (20+} -measurable

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

But there is a subtle problem: there is no counterpart to the "noble wife" text, nothing in the book that encourages young women to find a noble husband.

Huffington Post

The sensitivity of q-values to these assumptions in our study is a subtle problem and it is worth more investigation in our future work.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Here's a subtler problem.

The New York Times

But there may be a subtler problem at work here.

The New York Times

A subtler problem is what economists call "implicit marginal tax rates".

The New York Times - Health

This is a subtler problem than it might first appear and would benefit from a more thorough investigation.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A more subtle problem arises when an intermediate variable is itself a confounder.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a subtle problem", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to appreciate the subtlety. Avoid vagueness; hint at the nature of the problem without explicitly stating it to pique interest.

Common error

Avoid using "a subtle problem" when the issue is, in fact, quite obvious or straightforward. This can undermine your credibility and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subtle problem" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically introduces an issue that is not immediately apparent but requires careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

11%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subtle problem" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes an issue not immediately obvious and requiring careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans across News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating a relatively formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context offers sufficient cues to guide the reader's understanding of the underlying subtlety. Alternatives like "a nuanced issue" or "a delicate challenge" can be considered for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a nuanced issue

Focuses on the complexity and fine details of the issue.

a delicate challenge

Emphasizes the sensitivity and care required in addressing the issue.

a tricky situation

Highlights the difficulty and potential for complications.

an imperceptible difficulty

Stresses the lack of immediate visibility of the problem.

a concealed obstacle

Implies that the problem is hidden or not easily recognized.

a sophisticated complication

Suggests the problem is complex and requires advanced understanding.

an understated concern

Indicates that the problem's significance might be minimized.

a latent predicament

Highlights the potential for the problem to emerge or worsen.

an underlying dilemma

Focuses on the foundational or root cause of the problem.

a discreet adversity

Emphasizes the problem being handled carefully or privately.

FAQs

How can I use "a subtle problem" in a sentence?

You can use "a subtle problem" to introduce an issue that is not immediately obvious or easily detected. For example, "The analysis revealed "a subtle problem" in the experimental design that could affect the results."

What are some alternatives to "a subtle problem"?

Alternatives include "a nuanced issue", "a delicate challenge", or "a tricky situation", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a subtle problem" and "a complex problem"?

"A subtle problem" is not immediately obvious and requires careful observation to detect, while "a complex problem" is intricate and involves many interconnected parts that are difficult to understand.

Is it always appropriate to use "a subtle problem" in formal writing?

Yes, ""a subtle problem"" is appropriate in formal writing as long as the context clearly explains the nature of the subtlety. Ensure the reader understands the underlying issue without needing extensive background knowledge.