a thorny problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorny problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or complex issue that is challenging to resolve. Example: "The committee faced a thorny problem when trying to balance the budget while meeting the needs of all departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Herein lies a thorny problem.

The Washington Post

Still, a thorny problem remains.

The Guardian - Books

With emotion recognition, they stumbled onto a thorny problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Solving planetary ozone levels is a thorny problem.

Yale University

Wal-Mart presents a thorny problem for the government.

The New York Times

This is a decent solution to a thorny problem.

The Washington Post

One of the biggest obstacles — lack of price transparency — is a thorny problem.

Harvard University

Medicare is a thorny problem; Social Security, by comparison, is a cinch.

The New York Times

How to obtain the analytic solution of uncertain differential equation has always been a thorny problem.

Applied Mathematics and Computation

It's a thorny problem: how do you map something you cannot see?

The Guardian

These people present a thorny problem for Bremer and other leaders of the American occupation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorny problem", ensure the context clearly indicates the complex and difficult nature of the issue you are describing. Avoid using it for simple inconveniences.

Common error

While "a thorny problem" is a valid phrase, overuse in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Opt for simpler terms like "challenge" or "issue" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorny problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "thorny" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically serves to characterize a situation as complicated and difficult to resolve, often involving conflicting interests or sensitivities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorny problem" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a complex and difficult issue. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's validity and appropriate usage. Its prevalence across news, scientific, and academic sources indicates its versatility. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and ensure that the level of formality aligns with the audience. Alternatives such as "a difficult issue" or "a complex challenge" may be more suitable depending on the situation. While widely accepted, overuse in informal settings can sound stilted. Remember that the 'thorny' aspect implies the potential for conflict or difficulty in finding a mutually agreeable resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", a slightly broader term for something that needs to be addressed, potentially lessening the intensity.

a complex challenge

Substitutes "thorny problem" with "complex challenge", emphasizing the intricate and demanding nature of the task.

a tricky situation

Replaces the formal "problem" with the more colloquial "situation", also softens the negative connotation with the adjective "tricky".

a delicate matter

Replaces "problem" with "matter", highlighting the sensitivity and potential for causing offense or complications.

a challenging dilemma

Replaces "thorny" and "problem" with stronger terms highlighting the difficult choice between alternatives.

a perplexing puzzle

Changes the metaphor to a "puzzle", emphasizing the confusing and intellectually demanding aspect of the problem.

a tough nut to crack

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe a problem that is particularly resistant to solution.

a sticky wicket

Employs a British idiom, suggesting a difficult or awkward situation, which may not be universally understood.

an intractable predicament

Uses more formal and intense vocabulary to emphasize the unsolvable nature of the problem.

a Gordian knot

Relies on a historical allusion to describe a problem that seems impossible to solve in a straightforward manner.

FAQs

How to use "a thorny problem" in a sentence?

Use "a thorny problem" to describe a situation that is complex, difficult, and likely to cause disagreement or require careful handling. For example: "Balancing the budget is "a thorny problem" for the city council".

What can I say instead of "a thorny problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult issue", "a complex challenge", or "a tricky situation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a thorny problem" or "a thorny issue"?

Both ""a thorny problem"" and "a thorny issue" are correct and widely used. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the challenging nature of a "problem" or the broader implications of an "issue".

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

"A thorny problem" implies not only complexity but also the potential for conflict, disagreement, or difficulty in handling. "A complex problem" simply highlights the intricate nature of the issue.