difficult question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe a challenging or complex question. Example: The exam was filled with difficult questions, making it a true test of our knowledge and critical thinking skills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a difficult question.

The New York Times - Books

That's a difficult question.

The New York Times

It's just a difficult question".

The New York Times

The difficult question is how.

The Economist

That is a difficult question.

Independent

"That's a really difficult question.

The New York Times

One difficult question was: Why?

The New Yorker

AP: Difficult question.

The Guardian - Music

SD: Difficult question.

The Guardian - Film

The difficult question is, what happens next?

The Economist

This is a difficult question, Hume admitted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When responding to a "difficult question", acknowledge the complexity of the issue before providing an answer. This shows respect for the questioner and demonstrates a thoughtful approach.

Common error

Avoid offering simplistic answers to what is clearly a "difficult question". Instead, acknowledge the nuances and complexities involved, even if a definitive answer is not possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult question" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" is an adjective modifying the noun "question". It serves to characterize the question as being challenging or complex requiring careful consideration. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult question" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe inquiries that are challenging or complex. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When facing a "difficult question", it's best practice to acknowledge its complexity before attempting an answer, avoiding oversimplification. Consider using alternatives like "challenging question" or "complex question" to add nuance to your writing. Mastering the use of "difficult question" enhances clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging question

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the question.

complex question

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the intricate nature of the question.

thorny question

Uses "thorny" to describe the question, suggesting it's a sensitive or problematic issue.

problematic question

Indicates that the question poses difficulties or potential issues.

tricky question

Replaces "difficult" with "tricky", emphasizing the subtlety and potential for error.

tough question

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the question by using the word "tough".

delicate question

Highlights the sensitivity and need for careful handling of the question.

knotty question

Similar to "thorny", suggests the question is complex and difficult to untangle.

vexing question

Replaces "difficult" with "vexing", suggesting the question is frustrating or annoying.

intricate question

Highlights the detailed and complicated nature of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult question" to describe a query that is challenging to answer. For example: "That's a "difficult question", and I need some time to think about it carefully."

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult question"?

Alternatives include "challenging question", "complex question", or "tricky question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a difficult question" or "an difficult question"?

It is correct to say "a difficult question". The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds.

What is the difference between a "difficult question" and a "rhetorical question"?

A "difficult question" requires thought and effort to answer, while a rhetorical question is asked for effect and does not require an answer.