proved a sensitive issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proved a sensitive issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or situation that has caused strong feelings or reactions among people. Example: "The decision to change the policy proved a sensitive issue among the staff, leading to heated discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Men's hair has proved a sensitive issue in international politics, even before Trump's indescribable golden arrangement, referred to by one paper as "Norwegian bunch grass".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Despite being back on the agenda, the registration of ethnicity still proves to be a sensitive issue when, although not health-related, a minister lost her post over this debate in 2008 after suggesting ethnic registration as a means to monitor young offenders.

Ethnicity and Health

It remains a sensitive issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Migrant labour is a sensitive issue.

The Economist

Then he touched on a sensitive issue.

The New Yorker

It's a sensitive issue.

The Guardian

"Corruption is a sensitive issue," acknowledges Henry.

The Guardian

"It is still a sensitive issue".

The Guardian

"It is a sensitive issue in South Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

Barnier said: "Remuneration is a sensitive issue, sensitive for our citizens, for our taxpayers.

The Guardian - Business

How the school directs students is a sensitive issue.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proved a sensitive issue", consider your audience and the specific context to ensure that the level of sensitivity is accurately conveyed. Choose synonyms if a less direct approach is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "proved a sensitive issue" when the topic is only mildly controversial. Using stronger language than necessary can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proved a sensitive issue" functions as a predicate nominative, where "proved" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the noun phrase "a sensitive issue". This construction, as Ludwig AI confirms, describes a state or condition that has come to be.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proved a sensitive issue" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe topics that require careful consideration. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, although its register is generally neutral. While the phrase itself is straightforward, its effectiveness lies in its ability to signal the need for tact and awareness. When using this phrase, it's important to choose words carefully and adapt to the specific situation to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became a delicate matter

Replaces "proved" with "became" and "sensitive issue" with "delicate matter" to soften the tone.

turned into a contentious topic

Substitutes "proved" with "turned into" and "sensitive issue" with "contentious topic" to emphasize disagreement.

became a point of contention

Similar to "contentious topic" but emphasizes the specific point of disagreement.

emerged as a thorny subject

Uses "emerged as" instead of "proved" and describes the issue as "thorny" to highlight its difficulty.

developed into a difficult situation

Replaces "proved a sensitive issue" with a broader description of a challenging circumstance.

posed a challenge

Focuses on the problematic aspect of the issue, framing it as an obstacle to overcome.

raised concerns

Focuses on the act of causing worry or unease, rather than the sensitive nature of the issue itself.

generated strong reactions

Highlights the intensity of the response the issue elicited, without specifying the nature of the sensitivity.

sparked controversy

Highlights the element of public disagreement and debate.

created tension

Emphasizes the feeling of strain and unease that the issue generated.

FAQs

How can I use "proved a sensitive issue" in a sentence?

You can use "proved a sensitive issue" to describe a topic that evoked strong feelings or reactions. For example, "The proposal to cut funding for the arts proved a sensitive issue among community members".

What's a less formal alternative to "proved a sensitive issue"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, consider using phrases like "became a delicate matter" or "turned into a contentious topic" depending on the context.

Is "proved a sensitive issue" always negative?

While often used in contexts where a problem or conflict arose, "proved a sensitive issue" is neutral. The negativity depends on the situation. It simply indicates that the topic was treated with care due to potential emotional or political implications.

What are some common synonyms for "sensitive issue"?

Common synonyms include "delicate matter", "contentious topic", and "thorny subject". The best choice will depend on the nuance you want to convey.