subtle questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtle questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe inquiries that are nuanced, delicate, or require careful consideration to understand fully. Example: "During the interview, she asked several subtle questions that revealed deeper insights into the candidate's thought process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

There are more subtle questions, too.

The New York Times

More subtle questions may also be raised about commissioning policy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dr. Weil, he said, provided answers to some of the most subtle questions about ordinary numbers.

The New York Times

Unlike the previous case, in which the blurry boundaries raised subtle questions about consent and competition, this seems unambiguously wrong.

University of California, Berkeley

I was dazzled by the subtle questions I was asked about separation of powers and about the ability of government officials to defy the law.

The New York Times

But when we think about intent, especially in a business setting, we're actually asking a lot of very subtle questions about intent.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The more subtle question is whether he can be as good as Mike Moore.

The New York Times - Sports

There is also a subtle question of tone and context here.

The Guardian - Arts

But there is a more subtle question mark about the credibility of being a perpetual straddler.

The Guardian

At issue is the subtle question of what counts as evidence.

The New York Times - Health

To answer this more subtle question, I computed a value for each pass that led to a shot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subtle questions", consider the audience and context. Ensure the questions are phrased in a way that encourages thoughtful responses without causing confusion or offense.

Common error

Avoid phrasing "subtle questions" in a way that lacks clarity or precision. Subtlety should enhance, not obscure, the intent of the inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle questions" functions as a noun phrase, where "subtle" modifies the noun "questions". It characterizes the nature of the inquiries being made, indicating they are not straightforward, but instead require careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subtle questions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes inquiries that are nuanced and require careful phrasing. When employing this phrase, it's essential to maintain clarity and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "nuanced inquiries" or "delicate questions" to refine your message. Be mindful of the audience and context to ensure your questions are received as thoughtful and not confusing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nuanced inquiries

Replaces "questions" with "inquiries" to emphasize a more formal and investigative tone, while "nuanced" highlights the delicate nature of the questions.

delicate questions

Substitutes "subtle" with "delicate", stressing the sensitive or potentially problematic nature of the questions.

complex inquiries

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the questions, suggesting they require deep thought.

intricate questions

Highlights the detailed and complicated aspects of the questions.

insightful questions

Focuses on the potential of the questions to reveal understanding or deeper truths.

probing questions

Implies questions designed to explore or investigate thoroughly.

artful questions

Suggests skill and cleverness in the way the questions are framed.

discreet inquiries

Replaces "questions" with "inquiries" to emphasize a more formal and investigative tone, while "discreet" highlights the need for confidentiality.

tactful questions

Highlights the consideration and sensitivity involved in asking the questions.

carefully worded questions

Focuses on the deliberate and thoughtful phrasing of the questions.

FAQs

How can I use "subtle questions" effectively in a conversation?

Use "subtle questions" to guide a conversation without being overly direct. For instance, instead of asking "Are you unhappy with your job?", you might ask, "What aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling?"

What are some alternatives to using "subtle questions"?

You can use alternatives like "nuanced inquiries", "delicate questions", or "insightful questions" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask "subtle questions"?

"Subtle questions" are appropriate when you need to gather information without being intrusive or confrontational, such as in interviews, negotiations, or sensitive discussions.

How do "subtle questions" differ from direct questions?

"Subtle questions" are indirect and aim to elicit information through implication or careful phrasing, whereas direct questions are straightforward and explicit in their intent.