subtle issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"subtle issue" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or concern that is not obvious or easy to notice. Example: The politician's stance on immigration is a subtle issue that requires careful examination.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It is a subtle issue.

The New York Times - Arts

A more subtle issue is the ecosystem of software security.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a subtle issue, and balances shift in different places, and, surely, among different visitors.

The New York Times - Arts

A more subtle issue is generated by the revelation that Mr. Obama authorized cyberattacks on Iran's nuclear program.

The New York Times

"There's a very subtle issue of trying to deal with the way human beings react to contingency statements," Greenspan said.

The Washington Post

There's a subtle issue here, however: any future maintainer has to understand that the declaration of the dictionary must occur in the scope of the rendering.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

There are subtle issues with regard to the elimination of these forces, which we address in this paper.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Invariably, the users of a technology are sensitive to subtle issues that nonusers fail to appreciate.

MIT Technology Review

It also stimulates the discussion on subtle issues involved in the determination and use of elementary powder's properties.

Chemical Engineering Science

This paper represents our attempt to characterize a family of complicated and subtle issues concerned with measuring robot task complexity.

Artificial Intelligence

Admittedly, subtle issues of autonomy and stress do not lend themselves to quick regulatory fixes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subtle issue", provide enough context to highlight the non-obvious nature of the problem and why it requires careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "subtle issue" when the matter is clearly evident or widely recognized as a significant problem. The phrase is most effective when highlighting aspects that might be easily missed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle issue" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "subtle" modifies the noun "issue". It describes a problem, concern, or matter that is not immediately obvious or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms this as a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subtle issue" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a problem or concern that isn't immediately obvious, often requiring deeper analysis to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its usage spans across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to highlight the understated nature of the issue, and consider alternatives like "delicate matter" or "complex problem" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate matter

Emphasizes the sensitivity and potential fragility of the issue.

sensitive subject

Highlights the potential for emotional or controversial reactions.

complex problem

Focuses on the multifaceted and intricate nature of the issue.

intricate question

Suggests a high level of detail and interconnectedness in the issue.

nuanced aspect

Draws attention to the subtle distinctions and variations within the issue.

underlying concern

Implies a hidden or not immediately obvious source of worry.

implicit challenge

Suggests a difficulty that is not openly stated or recognized.

hidden complexity

Emphasizes that the issue's true difficulty is not immediately apparent.

tacit difficulty

Highlights the unspoken or unacknowledged nature of the problem.

unobtrusive complication

Points to a subtle element that adds difficulty.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "subtle issue" in a sentence?

To use "subtle issue" effectively, ensure you provide enough context to explain why the issue isn't immediately obvious. For instance, "The impact of the policy change is a "subtle issue", requiring careful analysis to understand its long-term effects".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "subtle issue"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "delicate matter", "sensitive subject", or "complex problem".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "subtle issue"?

The phrase might be inappropriate if the issue is glaringly obvious. In such cases, a more direct phrase might be more suitable. However, what might seem obvious to one person, can be a "subtle issue" to someone else.

What makes an issue "subtle"?

A "subtle issue" is characterized by its understated nature, requiring careful observation or analysis to be fully understood. It's often not immediately apparent and may involve nuances that are easily overlooked.