a tricky issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or problem that is complicated or difficult to resolve. Example: "The debate over climate change policies is a tricky issue that requires careful consideration from all stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a tricky issue.

The New Yorker

It's a tricky issue.

The Guardian - Film

This is undeniably a tricky issue.

The New York Times

Still, this is a tricky issue.

The New York Times

Campaign-finance is a tricky issue.

The Economist

But honor is a tricky issue.

The New York Times

Suspending accounts has been a tricky issue for Twitter.

The New York Times

And given Jupiter's distance, that is a tricky issue.

The Guardian

And yet it's a tricky issue for consumers.

The New York Times - Food

Of course, global migration is a tricky issue.

The Guardian - Music

The practice has been a tricky issue for successive governments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky issue", ensure the context clearly indicates why the issue is complex. Provide specific details or examples to illustrate the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky issue" as a placeholder without explaining what makes it tricky. Always elaborate on the specific complexities or challenges involved to give the phrase more meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and characterizes a particular subject or situation. It suggests that the issue is not easily resolved or understood, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky issue" is a commonly used phrase to describe a situation that is complicated or difficult to resolve. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in news, media, science and formal business settings. While versatile, it's important to provide context to clarify what makes the issue tricky and avoid overuse without elaboration. Alternative phrases such as "a complex problem" or "a delicate matter" can offer more specific nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A complex problem

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the issue.

A delicate matter

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential sensitivity.

A challenging situation

Highlights the difficulty and demands required to address the issue.

A thorny question

Suggests the issue is prickly and difficult to resolve, often involving conflicting interests.

A sensitive subject

Indicates the issue may cause discomfort or offense and requires tactful discussion.

A perplexing puzzle

Implies the issue is confusing and hard to understand or solve.

A convoluted affair

Highlights the complicated and intricate nature of the situation, possibly involving many layers.

A tough nut to crack

Emphasizes the difficulty in finding a solution or understanding the issue.

A knotty dilemma

Suggests the issue presents a difficult choice between undesirable alternatives.

A sticky wicket

Implies a precarious and difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a tricky issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a tricky issue" to describe a situation that's complicated or difficult to deal with. For example, "Balancing economic growth with environmental protection is "a tricky issue" for many developing nations."

What phrases are similar to "a tricky issue"?

Alternatives include "a complex problem", "a delicate matter", or "a challenging situation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a tricky issue" formal or informal?

"A tricky issue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "a complex problem" might be preferable in highly formal settings.

What makes an issue "tricky"?

An issue can be considered "tricky" when it involves multiple conflicting factors, requires careful handling, or lacks a straightforward solution. It often implies a need for strategic thinking and potential compromise.