be a difficult issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a difficult issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or problem that presents challenges or complexities. Example: "The decision to implement new policies can be a difficult issue for management to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"This is going to be a difficult issue right across the summer," he said.

Independent

This will be a difficult issue as they see JCP as their primary competitor".

The New York Times

Nobody wants to be tactless and, plainly, it is always going to be a difficult issue.

The Guardian - Sport

It's no surprise to anyone this was going to be a difficult issue for us.

The Guardian

Why might trade with Africa be a difficult issue for the G-8 members to agree upon at the summit?

The New York Times

The question of whether there was a benefit proved to be a difficult issue for jurors deciding Sean Stewart's fate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"It's a difficult issue".

The New York Times

"That's a difficult issue.

The New York Times

"And it's a difficult issue.

The New York Times

Dick says this is a difficult issue.

The Guardian

"This is a difficult issue," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a difficult issue", ensure that the context clearly defines why the issue is challenging. Providing specific examples or reasons will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "be a difficult issue" as a vague statement. Always provide specific details or examples to illustrate the nature and scope of the difficulty, making the statement more informative and relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a difficult issue" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject with a quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a difficult issue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe challenging or problematic situations. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly illustrates the specific challenges involved to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "pose a significant challenge" or "present a complex problem" can be used for variety. By providing clear context and specific examples, you can effectively communicate the difficulties associated with the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove to be problematic

Shifts the focus to the act of becoming problematic over time.

present a complex problem

Replaces "difficult issue" with a more elaborate description using "complex problem".

represent a tough situation

Uses simpler language to describe the difficulty of the issue.

pose a significant challenge

Changes the wording to emphasize the act of presenting a challenge rather than being one.

constitute a major hurdle

Emphasizes the obstacle aspect of the issue, framing it as a hurdle to overcome.

demand delicate handling

Stresses the need for a sensitive and cautious approach.

involve considerable complications

Highlights the involvement of multiple complicating factors.

create a considerable predicament

Replaces "issue" with "predicament", highlighting the problematic nature.

raise substantial concerns

Alters the phrase to focus on the worries and apprehensions associated with the issue.

require careful navigation

Shifts the emphasis to the need for skillful management of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "be a difficult issue" to describe topics or problems that present challenges or complexities. For example: "Implementing the new policy will "be a difficult issue" for the team."

What phrases are similar to "be a difficult issue"?

Similar phrases include "pose a significant challenge", "present a complex problem", or "constitute a major hurdle".

Is it appropriate to use "be a difficult issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "be a difficult issue" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or challenging topics. However, consider using more precise language depending on the specific context.

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

While both phrases indicate a challenge, "be a difficult issue" suggests a problem that is hard to resolve, whereas "be a complex issue" implies a situation with many interconnected parts that are hard to understand.