a tricky topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a subject that is complex, challenging, or difficult to understand or navigate. Example: "The debate on climate change is a tricky topic that often leads to heated discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It's kind of a tricky topic," he said.

The New York Times

Jones acknowledged that it was a tricky topic.

The New Yorker

IT IS a tricky topic for right-wing political parties in most developed countries.

The Economist

Simon Milner, the director of policy for Facebook UK and Ireland, admitted that it was a "tricky" topic for the company.

The Guardian - Tech

Any country that thought it might be out-voted on a tricky topic, such as Iraq, would presumably refuse to sanction such a request.The position is less ambiguous over defence.

The Economist

It affected him so deeply that he agreed to attend workshops to discuss the impulses that machismo had encouraged in him.Machismo is a tricky topic to discuss, not just with hard cases like Mr Toruño.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's a particularly tricky topic for historians of science and medicine, because those subjects are generally thought to progress over time, not just change (as 'art' or 'politics' might).

The Guardian

How Real-Life QuiddiThisHas Become the World's Most Progressise Sport.

Vice

I am perfectly well aware that we are dealing here with a particularly tricky topic, and we must be especially sensitive when considering ethical issues as important as this one, and so let me once again make it clear that our sole intention, with this regulation, is to ensure that patients get safe and effective medicines.

EU Parlament

For Republicans, it is an especially tricky topic, forcing them to balance their free-market instincts against intense demand among homeowners for more to be done.

The New York Times

In an effort to gently address the problem, Alfredo decided to bring up the tricky topic using an unconventional approach: He jotted down some financial goals that he and his wife could strive for together, such as more conscious spending and eliminating credit card debt.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a sensitive or complicated issue, use "a tricky topic" to acknowledge the inherent challenges and encourage careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky topic" as a dismissive label. Instead, use it as an entry point to acknowledge complexity and nuance, and subsequently provide a balanced and thoughtful perspective on the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky topic" functions as a noun phrase, with "tricky" modifying the noun "topic". It serves to characterize a subject as difficult, sensitive, or requiring careful handling. Ludwig AI shows it’s a common way to introduce challenging discussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky topic" is a versatile phrase used to introduce subjects that are complex, sensitive, or challenging. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for general use, more precise language may be preferred in formal academic settings. When employing this phrase, acknowledge the inherent challenges and strive for a balanced and thoughtful perspective. Consider alternatives such as "a sensitive subject" or "a complex problem" to fine-tune the tone and emphasis according to the specific communication goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive subject

Focuses on the potential for emotional or ethical concerns associated with the subject.

a delicate matter

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential fragility or risk of causing offense.

a challenging issue

Highlights the difficulty and effort required to address or resolve the matter.

a complex problem

Indicates that the subject involves many interconnected parts and is not easily understood or solved.

a thorny question

Suggests the subject is difficult and potentially contentious to address.

a problematic area

Focuses on the fact that the subject is the cause of difficulties or problems.

a convoluted issue

Highlights the complexity and intricacy of the subject.

a vexing matter

Emphasizes the frustrating or annoying nature of the subject.

a knotty problem

Suggests a problem that is complicated and difficult to solve.

a difficult question

Highlights the cognitive challenge of responding to or resolving the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tricky topic" to introduce a subject that requires careful handling. For example, "Political negotiations are often "a tricky topic" requiring diplomacy and understanding".

What's a more formal alternative to "a tricky topic"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a sensitive subject" or "a complex problem". These alternatives convey the same sense of difficulty while maintaining a professional demeanor.

Is it appropriate to use "a tricky topic" in academic writing?

While "a tricky topic" is acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider specifying the nature of the difficulty, such as "a complex problem" or "a contentious issue", to provide greater clarity.

What's the difference between "a tricky topic" and "a controversial topic"?

"A tricky topic" implies complexity or difficulty, while "a controversial topic" suggests disagreement or opposition. A topic can be both tricky and controversial, but the phrases highlight different aspects of the subject.