a tough topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a subject that is difficult to understand, sensitive, or controversial. Example: "The discussion on climate change is a tough topic that often leads to heated debates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Culture is a tough topic.

The Guardian

Disability can sometimes be a tough topic to talk about.

The Guardian - Opinion

His roughly physical theatricality suggests this will be an intense encounter with a tough topic.

The New York Times

Obama administration law enforcement policy toward Hezbollah is a tough topic for a media critic to adjudicate.

The Washington Post

Eric R Thiss is a tough topic to convey in such a short amount of time, but I will say that Matt did an admirable job.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is a tough topic to address.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"This is a terrible, tough topic, but it was our goal to make it in such a way that everyone can see the film," said Thomas, who said he hopes his movie follows in the footsteps of Harriet Beecher Stowe's influential pre-Civil War novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin".

Los Angeles Times

"But our feeling was this is a really tough topic.

The New York Times

"It's a very tough topic," Ellis said.

The Guardian - Sport

Roseman: I agree with John, and I also agree that it's a very tough topic, this area, very tough.

Forbes

I'm fortunate enough to have a few friends who are way better coders than I am, and they were often willing to lend a hand whenever I'd get stuck trying to wrap my head around a particularly tough topic.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough topic" when you want to acknowledge the difficulty or sensitivity of a subject without sounding overly negative. It's a balanced way to introduce challenging discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough topic" as a vague placeholder. Replace it with specific details about the subject's challenges or complexities to provide more clarity and depth to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough topic" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It introduces a subject that is difficult or sensitive, as shown in Ludwig's examples like "Disability can sometimes be "a tough topic" to talk about."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough topic" is a commonly used phrase to introduce a challenging or sensitive subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, and academia. Alternatives include "a challenging subject" or "a sensitive matter", offering slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure it's not a vague placeholder but rather a genuine acknowledgment of the subject's complexities, leading to more specific and insightful discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging subject

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or dealing with the subject.

a difficult issue

Highlights the problematic nature of the issue being discussed.

a sensitive matter

Indicates that the topic requires careful handling due to its potential to cause offense or distress.

a delicate subject

Suggests the topic needs to be approached with care and tact.

a problematic area

Focuses on the troubles and complications associated with the area.

a thorny question

Implies that the question is complex and likely to cause disagreement.

a complex problem

Highlights the intricate nature of the problem.

a contentious issue

Stresses that the topic is likely to cause disagreement and argument.

a hot-button topic

Refers to a topic that is currently very popular and evokes strong feelings.

a controversial subject

Highlights the disagreement and debate surrounding the subject.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "a tough topic"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging subject", "a difficult issue", or "a sensitive matter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "a tough topic" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a subject that requires careful consideration or is likely to generate disagreement. For example: "Climate change is "a tough topic" that demands immediate attention."

What makes a topic "tough"?

A topic can be considered "tough" due to its complexity, emotional sensitivity, potential for disagreement, or difficulty in finding solutions. Using the phrase "a tough topic" acknowledges these challenges.

Is it better to be direct instead of using "a tough topic"?

It depends on the context. While directness is often valued, using "a tough topic" can be a helpful way to gently introduce a sensitive subject before diving into specifics. Overdoing this gentleness can make the text feel vague.