a thorny question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorny question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or complicated issue that may provoke disagreement or controversy. Example: "The debate over climate change policy is certainly a thorny question that requires careful consideration from all sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

A father recently put a thorny question to the authors.

The New York Times - Health

A thorny question is the role Andy Hornby will play.

The Guardian - Business

Exactly what gets reported and to whom can be a thorny question.

Harvard University

This raises a thorny question: Does the collection deserve so much space?

The New Yorker

But how the drug should be taxed has proved to be a thorny question.

The New York Times

A thorny question for African American museum: Whose story do we tell?

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

As such, it bought up a somewhat thorny question: is there a place for humour in art?

The Guardian - Arts

This situation raises a deliciously thorny question: Is there a dark side to "just doing you?" You could argue that Eric is now really in touch with himself -- that losing his "civility" has brought out his purest identity.

Huffington Post

In religious history, that has been a very thorny question.

The Economist

Liability is an especially thorny question for the airlines, because New York has liberal blame-laying laws that they want the federal government to pre-empt.

The New York Times

"It's a thorny policy question and social question," Dr. Spengler said, adding he foresees some private housing complexes adopting smoking policy covenants in the future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thorny question" when you want to emphasize the challenging and potentially controversial nature of an issue. It's stronger than simply saying "a difficult question".

Common error

While "a thorny question" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in very informal or casual settings. In those contexts, simpler alternatives like "a tough question" or "a tricky issue" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorny question" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or direct object. It identifies a particular question or issue as being complex and challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorny question" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a complex and challenging issue. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts. Its frequency and appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post underscore its reliability. When writing, consider the level of formality; while versatile, simpler alternatives might be more suitable for very casual settings. Remember that the phrase implies more than just complexity; it suggests a difficult, potentially contentious issue requiring careful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex issue

Focuses on the complexity of the matter, omitting the potentially problematic nature.

a challenging problem

Emphasizes the difficulty in finding a solution.

a difficult matter

Highlights the troublesome aspect of the situation.

a complicated subject

Stresses the intricacy of the topic.

a sensitive issue

Indicates that the matter requires careful handling due to its delicate nature.

a contentious point

Focuses on the likelihood of disagreement or debate.

a problematic situation

Highlights that the situation is causing problems or difficulties.

a delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for tact and care when dealing with the issue.

a perplexing puzzle

Uses a more metaphorical approach, emphasizing the confusing nature of the problem.

a vexing problem

Highlights the annoying or frustrating aspect of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "a thorny question" in a sentence?

You can use "a thorny question" to introduce a complex and challenging problem. For instance, "The issue of funding for education remains "a thorny question" for the government".

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

You can use alternatives like "a complex issue", "a challenging problem", or "a difficult matter" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a thorny question" or "a prickly question"?

Both "a thorny question" and "a prickly question" can be used, but "a thorny question" is more common. "Prickly" suggests something that causes immediate irritation, while "thorny" implies a more deeply rooted and complex challenge.

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

"A complex question" simply indicates something is intricate. "A thorny question" implies the issue is not only complex but also difficult to resolve and may cause disagreement.