thorny issues

USAGE SUMMARY

"thorny issues" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to difficult or controversial problems or topics. Example: The negotiations between the two countries were stalled due to several thorny issues, including the border dispute and trade policies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And these thorny issues.

The New York Times

Bankruptcy raises thorny issues about state sovereignty.

The Economist

Howard's agenda raises some thorny issues.

The New York Times

Many thorny issues remain unresolved.

The Guardian

These are thorny issues indeed.

The New York Times

But that raises thorny issues of qualification.

The Guardian - Sport

However, it leaves several thorny issues unresolved.

The New York Times

These are thorny issues with no clear answers.

The New York Times

I've been mulling over some thorny issues this week.

The New York Times

There have been other thorny issues this season.

The New York Times - Sports

We were dealing with two thorny issues: feminism and children.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thorny issues", provide context to clarify the specific challenges or complexities involved. This helps the reader understand the depth and scope of the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "thorny issues" as a generic placeholder for problems. Instead, clearly identify the core elements that make the issues complex and difficult to resolve. This ensures clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorny issues" functions as a noun phrase, where "thorny" modifies the noun "issues", indicating that the issues are complex and difficult to handle. Ludwig AI confirms the common usage and correct grammatical standing of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorny issues" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe complex and challenging problems. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in news and media highlights its relevance in current discussions. When employing this phrase, specificity is crucial; avoid generalizations and clearly define the elements contributing to the issue's complexity. Alternatives such as "contentious matters" or "difficult problems" can be used to add nuance, but "thorny issues" remains a robust choice for conveying intricacy and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious matters

Focuses more on the disputatious nature of the issues.

difficult problems

Emphasizes the hardship in resolving the problems.

complex challenges

Highlights the intricacy and demanding nature of the challenges.

sensitive subjects

Indicates the issues require careful handling due to their delicate nature.

challenging questions

Focuses on the difficulty in answering the questions.

delicate situations

Highlights the need for careful and tactful management.

complicated situations

Focuses on the intricate and multi-layered nature of the situations.

intricate dilemmas

Emphasizes the perplexing and often insoluble nature of the dilemmas.

awkward predicaments

Highlights the uncomfortable and difficult nature of the situations.

problematic aspects

Focuses on specific parts or features that present difficulties.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "thorny issues" in a sentence?

Use "thorny issues" to refer to complex, sensitive, or difficult problems that require careful handling. For example: "The negotiations stalled due to several "thorny issues" related to trade agreements."

What are some alternatives to "thorny issues"?

You can use alternatives like "contentious matters", "difficult problems", or "complex challenges" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "thorny issues" in formal writing?

Yes, "thorny issues" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or sensitive topics. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What makes an issue "thorny"?

An issue is considered "thorny" when it involves multiple layers of complexity, potential conflicts, and requires careful navigation to avoid negative consequences. It often entails sensitive or controversial subjects that are difficult to resolve.