a touchy question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touchy question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a sensitive or controversial topic that may provoke strong emotions or reactions. Example: "During the meeting, she raised a touchy question about the company's recent layoffs, which made everyone uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Ownership and management can be a touchy question in the coffee industry.

The New York Times

Commercial influence at Wikipedia — for example, outside advertising, which is forbidden — is always a touchy question.

The New York Times - Tech

We broached a touchy question — executive changes.

Forbes

The last question I have, though, is, in protecting intellectual property rights, and this is a touchy question, does that include putting people in jail for downloading songs?

TechCrunch

Still, what happens to the dealer is a touchy question at a time when car companies still count on dealers for most of their sales and when car dealers have enormous political clout at the state level.

Forbes

If she tells a joke or asks you a touchy question, give a suggestive, maybe even a little mischievous smile.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A touchier question in South Korea's battle over its history is North Korea, with which the South is still technically at war.

Los Angeles Times

"It's a very touchy question," says Louise de Guire of the province's public-health institute.

The Economist

It instead created an existential and somewhat touchy question: Should a team lobby for one of its own players to be charged with an error in order to benefit a teammate?

The New York Times

It was a familiar but always touchy question, and one that I didn't answer just one, two, three.

The New Yorker

Among the areas where the final package is expected to fall short are steps to free up Japan's rigid labor market to make it easier for companies to shed dying businesses; improvements in corporate governance; and addressing the touchy question of immigration to make up for a shrinking population.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a touchy question", be mindful of your audience and the potential emotional responses the question might evoke. Frame it carefully to minimize discomfort or defensiveness.

Common error

Avoid posing "a touchy question" in an overly direct or accusatory manner. Soften the approach by providing context or acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic beforehand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touchy question" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "touchy" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It typically introduces topics requiring careful handling due to their sensitive nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touchy question" is a phrase used to introduce sensitive or controversial topics. Ludwig AI deems it correct and usable in English writing. While grammatically sound and commonly found in news and media, it requires careful handling to avoid causing discomfort. Rephrasing the question with alternatives like "a delicate inquiry" or being mindful of phrasing can help mitigate potential negative reactions. Its function is to signal sensitivity, its purpose is to address difficult subjects carefully, and its register is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" suggesting a more formal or probing approach, and "touchy" with "delicate", emphasizing sensitivity.

a sensitive matter

Substitutes "question" with "matter", shifting the focus from the act of questioning to the topic itself, and replaces "touchy" with "sensitive" highlighting the potential for emotional impact.

a thorny issue

Replaces "touchy question" with a metaphorical term, indicating a problematic and complex situation or subject.

a contentious topic

Replaces "touchy" with "contentious", highlighting the likelihood of disagreement or dispute.

a loaded subject

Uses the adjective "loaded" to emphasize that the subject is charged with emotion or hidden implications.

a sensitive query

Combines sensitivity with the act of asking, similar to the original, but emphasizes the carefulness required in posing the question.

a problematic area

Shifts the focus to a broader scope of concern, implying that the issue is not just a question but an entire field fraught with difficulty.

a difficult subject to broach

Expands the phrase to include the act of introducing the subject, highlighting the challenge in starting the conversation.

a controversial matter

Emphasizes the divisiveness of the subject, suggesting it is likely to provoke opposing viewpoints.

a delicate area of inquiry

Combines "delicate" with "area of inquiry" to stress both the sensitivity and the investigative nature of the subject

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a touchy question" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a delicate inquiry" or "a sensitive matter". These options convey respect and awareness of the subject's complexity.

What are some synonyms for "touchy" in the context of "a touchy question"?

Synonyms for "touchy" in this context include "sensitive", "delicate", "difficult", and "contentious", each highlighting a slightly different aspect of the question's nature.

Is it always best to avoid "a touchy question" in professional settings?

Not necessarily. While it's crucial to be mindful of sensitivity, addressing "a touchy question" directly but respectfully can foster transparency and build trust. The key is in the phrasing and timing.

What's the difference between "a touchy question" and "a difficult question"?

"A touchy question" implies that the subject is likely to cause emotional discomfort or offense. "A difficult question", on the other hand, suggests that the question is hard to answer due to complexity or lack of information.