a very difficult issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very difficult issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or problem that is complex and challenging to address. Example: "The committee is currently debating a very difficult issue that affects many stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's a very difficult issue".

The New York Times

And then that becomes a very difficult issue.

Cornell University

"It's a very difficult issue to assess," Mr. Constâncio said.

The New York Times

"This is just a very difficult issue with a lot of moving parts," Mr. Iarossi said.

The New York Times

"It's a very difficult issue, because anything we do requires getting over the US veto.

The Guardian

Except for those parameters for which a consensus exists, the question of testing method harmonisation remains a very difficult issue.

Pedosphere

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's a very, very difficult issue".

The New York Times

So I agree, it's a very, very difficult issue.

The Guardian

MCCAIN: It was a very, very difficult issue.

The New York Times

This is a very, very difficult issue of conscience for many, many people.

The New York Times

Acknowledging it had been a "very, very difficult" issue, Laws signalled that the Lib Dems could push to repeal the laws after the next election and replace them with a "better package".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before suggesting solutions to "a very difficult issue", thoroughly analyze its root causes to ensure effective strategies.

Common error

Avoid downplaying the multifaceted nature of "a very difficult issue" by offering simplistic solutions; this can undermine credibility and hinder progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very difficult issue" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific topic or problem and describes it as particularly challenging. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to something complex to address.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very difficult issue" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a problem or topic that is complex and challenging. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, from news and media to science and business. While alternatives like "a very complex issue" or "a very challenging issue" exist, the phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning make it a reliable choice. Remember to acknowledge the complexity of the issue when using this phrase and avoid offering simplistic solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very complex issue

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", emphasizing intricacy.

a very challenging issue

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", focusing on the stimulating aspect of solving it.

a very problematic issue

Substitutes "difficult" with "problematic", focusing on the troublesome nature.

a very delicate issue

Replaces "difficult" with "delicate", highlighting the need for careful handling.

a very thorny issue

Substitutes "difficult" with "thorny", implying potential pain or obstacles.

a very troublesome issue

Changes "difficult" to "troublesome", emphasizing the inconvenience it causes.

a very tough issue

Uses "tough" instead of "difficult", suggesting resilience is needed to address it.

a very sticky issue

Changes "difficult" to "sticky", suggesting it is hard to resolve or move past.

a very serious issue

Replaces "difficult" with "serious", highlighting the grave implications.

a very tricky issue

Substitutes "difficult" with "tricky", emphasizing the deceptive or misleading nature.

FAQs

How can I use "a very difficult issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a very difficult issue" to describe a problem or topic that is complex and challenging to address. For example, "The committee is currently debating "a very difficult issue" that affects many stakeholders".

What can I say instead of "a very difficult issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a very complex issue", "a very challenging issue", or "a very thorny issue" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to use "very" with "difficult" in the phrase "a very difficult issue"?

While "difficult issue" is perfectly acceptable, using "very" adds emphasis to the level of difficulty, making it clear that the issue is particularly challenging. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a difficult issue" and "a very difficult issue"?

The addition of "very" intensifies the degree of difficulty. "A difficult issue" suggests a challenge, while ""a very difficult issue"" implies a significantly greater level of complexity and challenge.