difficult issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult issue" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a complex or challenging problem or topic. Example: The students had a difficult time discussing the difficult issue of climate change in their environmental science class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a difficult issue".

The New York Times

It's an extremely difficult issue.

Independent

"It's a really difficult issue".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's a difficult issue.

The New York Times

It's an incredibly difficult issue.

The Guardian

"And it's a difficult issue.

The New York Times

It's a very difficult issue".

The New York Times

The most difficult issue was Ireland.

The Guardian

This is a complex, difficult issue".

The New York Times

But it's a difficult issue for her.

The Guardian - Film

Dick says this is a difficult issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a "difficult issue", begin by acknowledging its complexity to set a thoughtful tone.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "difficult issue" as easily solvable; this can undermine your credibility and the perceived importance of the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "issue". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It serves to identify a topic or situation characterized by complexity or challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult issue" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys the challenging nature of a topic. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, remember to acknowledge the complexity involved and avoid oversimplification. Consider alternatives like "complex matter" or "tricky situation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can use "difficult issue" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem" and "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature.

complex matter

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex" and "issue" with "matter", highlighting the intricate nature.

complicated problem

Synonymous with "challenging problem" but may imply a greater degree of entanglement.

tricky situation

Replaces "difficult" with "tricky" and "issue" with "situation", suggesting a need for careful handling.

intricate matter

Stresses the complex and detailed nature of the issue.

sensitive subject

Substitutes "difficult" with "sensitive" and "issue" with "subject", focusing on the delicate nature of the topic.

delicate situation

Similar to "sensitive subject", but focuses on the circumstances rather than the topic itself.

thorny question

Replaces "difficult" with "thorny" and "issue" with "question", highlighting the problematic nature.

problematic area

Highlights that the difficulty stems from inherent problems within the issue.

vexing question

Suggests that the issue causes irritation or annoyance due to its difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult issue" to describe a challenging or complex topic, such as, "Climate change is a "difficult issue" that requires global cooperation".

What phrases are similar to "difficult issue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "challenging problem", "complex matter", or "tricky situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a difficult issue" or should I use another article?

Using the indefinite article "a" before "difficult issue" is grammatically correct because you are referring to one instance of a challenging topic. The article choice depends on the context and whether you are referring to a specific or general issue.

What makes an issue "difficult"?

An issue might be considered "difficult" due to its complexity, lack of clear solutions, conflicting perspectives, or potential for causing disagreement or controversy.