knotty issues

USAGE SUMMARY

"knotty issues" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe difficult problems or questions that do not have an easy solution. For example: "It took a long time to resolve the knotty issues around the new healthcare policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Other knotty issues abounded.

The New York Times

Knotty Issues of Interfacial Enzymology.

Stanford University

But knotty issues of Islamic family law have arisen in courts all over Europe.

The Economist

Several knotty issues lurk in this blithe dismissal of expression concerns.

Stanford University

The discussion highlighted troubling statistics on diabetes, raised some knotty issues, and explored creative solutions.

Harvard University

Kaslow FW (1998) Handling transitions from mother to son in the family business: The knotty issues.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

First the finance, then the nuts-and-bolts production, and finally the knotty issue of distributing the product.

The Guardian - Film

The draft also includes provisions on another knotty issue — whether American soldiers would have immunity from Iraqi law.

The New York Times

The one real argument involves the knotty issue of VAT, which is not applied to tips that are freely given.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But one knotty issue -- whether gay and lesbian journalists should be members of Unity -- never made the agenda.

The New York Times

President Obama is so much better when he takes a heated, knotty issue, like civil rights or banking reform, and talks to the country like adults.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knotty issues" to describe problems that are not only complex but also difficult to disentangle or resolve. This is particularly effective in contexts where careful consideration and creative solutions are required.

Common error

Avoid using "knotty issues" when simpler terms like "problems" or "challenges" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated language in straightforward situations can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knotty issues" functions as a noun phrase, where "knotty" modifies the noun "issues". It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing complex or intricate problems. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "knotty issues" is a frequently used phrase to describe complex and difficult problems that require careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it adds a level of sophistication and precision to your writing. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "complex problems" or "difficult questions" in simpler situations. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "knotty issues" to enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex problems

Focuses on the intricacy of the problem rather than the difficulty in resolving it.

difficult questions

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the inquiries themselves.

intricate problems

Highlights the interwoven and complicated nature of the issues.

complicated matters

Focuses on the complexity and potential confusion surrounding the subjects.

thorny questions

Uses a different metaphor to convey the difficulty and potential for causing pain or conflict.

challenging dilemmas

Highlights the decision-making aspect and the difficulty in choosing between options.

vexing problems

Emphasizes the frustrating and irritating nature of the problems.

perplexing questions

Highlights the confusing and puzzling aspects of the inquiries.

unresolved conflicts

Focuses specifically on situations involving disagreement or opposition that have not been settled.

delicate situations

Highlights the need for careful handling and sensitivity due to potential risks or negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "knotty issues" in a sentence?

You can use "knotty issues" to describe complex problems that are difficult to resolve. For instance, "The negotiation team struggled to address the "knotty issues" surrounding intellectual property rights."

What's a simpler alternative to "knotty issues"?

Depending on the context, you could use simpler alternatives such as "complex problems", "difficult questions", or "challenging issues".

When is it appropriate to use "knotty issues" instead of "difficulties"?

"Knotty issues" is best used when the difficulties are not just hard, but also intricately entangled or complicated, requiring careful untangling.

Is "knotty issues" formal or informal?

"Knotty issues" is generally considered suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as news articles, academic papers, and professional reports. It adds a level of sophistication without being overly verbose.