a touchy subject for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touchy subject for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic that is sensitive or likely to provoke strong emotions or reactions in people. Example: "Discussing politics can be a touchy subject for many families during holiday gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It's actually a touchy subject for Damon.

Independent

Book titles are a touchy subject for writers.

The New York Times - Books

Therefore it is a touchy subject for them.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Principato knows that air travel fees are a touchy subject for consumers.

The New York Times

It's a touchy subject for Navy brass, who have struggled to replace Branch.

The Washington Post

Cigar smoking is a touchy subject for members of many private clubs.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Economy and emissions – a touchy subject this week for car makers – are also competitive, as if to suggest that shedding weight is a far more practical way to reduce pollution that fiddling diesel emission figures in a cars' computer.

Independent

(Jumping out of the back seat of the car, Mr. Heineman can be seen adjusting the image's exposure in the scene). To nonfiction filmmakers, this is business as usual, but manipulation in documentaries is a touchy subject — especially for viewers expecting unvarnished truth.

The New York Times

Cheese has been a touchy subject lately for Kraft (which, mind you, is now part of the giant The Kraft Heinz Company).

Huffington Post

People can't stop the run, so we keep doing that". Mayoral, the Schurr coach, makes no apologies, saying, "You go with the horse you rode on". Saddleback Valley Christian Coach Mike Henjum concedes, "It's a touchy subject, because for us to be successful everybody's got to be with the program.

Los Angeles Times

But because money was really a very touchy subject for him for a really long time, he wasn't really comfortable talking about it," she explained.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a touchy subject for", be mindful of your audience and the potential emotional responses the topic may evoke. Consider providing context or framing the discussion with sensitivity to avoid causing offense or discomfort.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a topic is universally "a touchy subject for" everyone. Recognize that sensitivity can vary among individuals and groups, and tailor your language accordingly. Be specific about who finds the subject touchy and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touchy subject for" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that describes the nature of a subject. It indicates that the topic is sensitive, potentially controversial, or likely to cause discomfort or disagreement. Ludwig's examples showcase this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a touchy subject for" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe sensitive or potentially controversial topics. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a crucial signal for caution and awareness in communication. Its prevalence in News & Media, as evidenced by examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, underscores its importance in navigating sensitive issues with tact and consideration. When employing this phrase, remember to be mindful of your audience and the potential emotional responses the topic may evoke, always being ready to nuance your approach if and when specific sensitive cases apply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive issue for

Replaces "subject" with "issue", emphasizing the problematic nature of the topic.

a delicate matter for

Substitutes "touchy" with "delicate" and "subject" with "matter", highlighting the need for careful handling.

a contentious topic for

Replaces "touchy" with "contentious", stressing the likelihood of disagreement or debate.

a problematic area for

Changes "touchy subject" to "problematic area", focusing on the difficulties associated with it.

a fraught subject for

Replaces "touchy" with "fraught", indicating a topic filled with anxiety or stress.

a sensitive area of concern for

Expands the phrase to include "area of concern", adding emphasis to the importance of the topic.

a difficult question for

Replaces "subject" with "question", framing the topic as a challenge to be addressed.

a sore point for

Uses a more informal idiom, "sore point", to indicate a topic that causes pain or discomfort.

a politically charged issue for

Adds the "politically charged" modifier to stress the political implications of the topic.

a tricky proposition for

Replaces "subject" with "proposition", framing it as a potentially risky or complicated undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "a touchy subject for" in a sentence?

You can use "a touchy subject for" to describe a topic that is sensitive or potentially controversial for a particular person or group. For example, "Climate change is "a touchy subject for" many people in the energy industry".

What are some alternatives to "a touchy subject for"?

Alternatives include "a sensitive issue for", "a delicate matter for", or "a contentious topic for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a touchy subject for"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context and your audience. In some situations, more direct or specific language might be preferable to avoid euphemisms. It is also important to be aware that there are different levels of sensitiveness that may be better captured by using an alternative.

What makes a topic "a touchy subject for" someone?

A topic becomes "a touchy subject for" someone when it evokes strong emotions, personal experiences, or conflicting beliefs. This could be due to past trauma, deeply held values, or potential social or professional consequences.