delicate issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"delicate issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or topic that is difficult to address. For example: "The budget surplus was a delicate issue that required careful consideration by the city council."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A delicate issue.

The Guardian

It is a delicate issue, however.

The Economist

Nudity in particular is a delicate issue.

The New York Times

"It's a delicate issue," she said.

The New York Times

"This is a delicate issue," he says.

The Economist

Race is still a delicate issue.

The New York Times - Sports

JT: That's a delicate issue.

The Guardian - Music

It is a delicate issue.

The New York Times

It's a very serious and delicate issue".

The Guardian

The status of arbakai militiamen is a delicate issue.

The New York Times

But the military exchanges have become a delicate issue here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "delicate issue" as a blanket term. Briefly explaining the core of the issue prevents ambiguity and shows respect for the audience's understanding.

Common error

Don't overuse the phrase "delicate issue" as a substitute for articulating the specific nature of the sensitivity. Provide enough detail to inform your audience without being insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "delicate" modifies the noun "issue". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase correctly describes a situation or topic that is difficult to address.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate issue" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe topics or situations requiring careful handling. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to introduce potentially sensitive subjects across various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media. While appropriate for formal and informal settings, specificity is key; avoid overusing it as a placeholder and always provide context to clarify the nature of the sensitivity. Consider alternatives like "sensitive matter" or "tricky situation" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive subject

A close synonym, replacing "issue" with "subject" to denote a topic that requires careful handling.

sensitive matter

Replaces "issue" with "matter", emphasizing the importance and potential for emotional response.

tricky situation

Shifts the focus to the challenging nature of the circumstances, rather than the topic itself.

challenging question

Highlights the difficulty in finding a suitable solution or answer.

contentious topic

Emphasizes the likelihood of disagreement and debate surrounding the subject.

problematic area

Focuses on the potential for negative consequences or complications.

thorny problem

Uses a metaphor to convey the complexity and potential for pain or discomfort.

vexed question

Implies a long-standing and difficult-to-resolve issue.

awkward predicament

Shifts the focus to the uncomfortable nature of the situation.

precarious circumstance

Highlights the instability and potential for negative outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "delicate issue" to describe a topic or situation that requires careful handling due to its sensitivity. For example, "The matter of salary negotiations is often a "delicate issue"".

What are some alternative phrases for "delicate issue"?

Alternatives include "sensitive matter", "tricky situation", or "challenging question", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "delicate issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "delicate issue" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing sensitive or complex topics that require careful consideration. However, always ensure that the context warrants its use and that you provide sufficient detail.

What makes an issue "delicate"?

An issue is considered "delicate" when it involves sensitive topics such as personal feelings, ethical concerns, or potential conflicts. It often requires careful handling to avoid causing offense or harm.