provocative problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provocative problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or question that stimulates thought, discussion, or debate, often due to its challenging or controversial nature. Example: "The researchers presented a provocative problem that challenged the conventional understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is an unresolvable but perennially provocative problem.

The New York Times - Arts

One reason is that whatever the convolutions of the political backdrop, Charlie and Tom face a clear and provocative problem from the very start, revolving around a woman called Slim Sadler.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Huffington Post is a platform for their bloggers to pursue and demonstrate their knowledge, get valuable feedback and earn credibility as provocative thinkers and problem-solvers.

Huffington Post

The Kim Wall Murder Trial: The Case Against Peter Madsen The Kim Wall Murder Trial Starts in Denmark The Dark Side of Zentropa's Provocative Workplace Culture The Problem of Sexual Assault on Campus White House in Panic Mode After TV Star With Racist Twitter Feed Loses Job Starbucks and the Issue of White Space Subscribe to The New Yorkerfor only $1 a week.Plus, get a free tote.

The New Yorker

The provocation proved provocative.

The New Yorker

To me that seems a much bigger, more insidious problem than the provocative name of William Shatner's latest TV show.

The New York Times

With anti-Islamic prejudice a continuing problem, it seems provocative to offer a character with a Muslim upbringing who reveals vestigial racism, anti-Semitism and a twinge of pride regarding terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

Adriane Fugh-Berman, a doctor at Georgetown University Medical Centre in Washington DC, who was an expert witness for the women who brought the civil action against Wyeth, said the Canadian lawyers had put forward a "provocative proposal for a serious problem".

The Guardian

Socrates addresses this problem with the provocative thesis (473c d): "Until philosophers rule as kings or those who are now called kings and leading men genuinely and adequately philosophize... cities will have no rest from evils, nor will the human race".

SEP

Workers on strike have been met with meaningless platitudes from Jeremy Corbyn, which are almost as unhelpful as robo-Ed Miliband's embarrassing repetition of "These strikes are wrong… The government has acted in a reckless and provocative manner… sort the problem out".

Vice

Lastly, one of the most provocative gardens addresses the plastic problem: the wonder product of the 1950s that threatens to smother us all in deadly chemical gas--except for those water-based bacteria that preliminary biological experiments suggest thrive on consuming plastics, excreting perfectly normal organic chemicals that render the earth a cleaner, happier place.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provocative problem" when you want to emphasize that an issue is not only a challenge but also stimulates thought and discussion. This phrasing adds a layer of intellectual engagement to the problem being described.

Common error

Avoid using "provocative problem" to describe simple or mundane issues. The term is best suited for situations where the problem genuinely stimulates thought or debate, not merely causing irritation or inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provocative problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "provocative" modifies the noun "problem". As Ludwig AI explains, it typically describes a situation or question that stimulates interest, thought, or discussion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provocative problem" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an issue or question which stimulates thought and discussion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. Alternatives such as "stimulating issue" or "challenging question" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use this phrase when the problem genuinely stimulates intellectual engagement, avoiding its overuse in mundane contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stimulating issue

Focuses on the aspect of intellectual stimulation, emphasizing the problem's capacity to encourage thinking.

challenging question

Highlights the difficulty and complexity inherent in the problem, framing it as a question that demands careful consideration.

thought-provoking dilemma

Emphasizes the problem's capacity to stimulate reflection and contemplation.

intriguing conundrum

Suggests a problem that is fascinating and difficult to solve.

complex challenge

Underscores the multifaceted nature of the problem and the effort required to address it.

debatable issue

Highlights the controversial nature of the problem and its potential to spark discussion.

controversial question

Emphasizes the divisive nature of the problem and its potential to generate disagreement.

vexing matter

Focuses on the irritating or frustrating aspect of the problem.

thorny issue

Highlights the difficulty and potential for conflict associated with the problem.

perplexing puzzle

Suggests a problem that is confusing and difficult to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "provocative problem" in a sentence?

You can use "provocative problem" to describe a challenging issue that encourages thought and discussion, such as, "The climate crisis presents a "provocative problem" for policymakers".

What are some alternatives to "provocative problem"?

Alternatives include "stimulating issue", "challenging question", or "thought-provoking dilemma", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "provocative problem" formal or informal?

"Provocative problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in analytical or academic discussions than in casual conversation.

What makes a problem "provocative"?

A problem is considered "provocative" when it challenges existing assumptions, sparks debate, or leads to new insights. It's not just difficult, but also intellectually stimulating.