thorny problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"thorny problems" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe difficult or complicated issues or dilemmas. Example: The company faced several thorny problems during the merger negotiations, including conflicting interests among stakeholders and financial challenges.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Already, some thorny problems have surfaced.

The New York Times

Yet online gambling presents thorny problems as well as opportunities.

The Economist

Its technology also side-steps several thorny problems in the design of microprocessors.

The Economist

In her novels, idealists and fast-trackers wrestled with thorny problems of love and social identity.

The New York Times - Books

Does she have the diplomatic finesse to handle thorny problems in the Middle East?

The New York Times

Salesforce is not alone in trying to address these thorny problems.

The New York Times

Still, the specificity of the details recorded is bound to raise thorny problems.

The New York Times - Tech

During his more than 30 years at MoMA (he retired in 2008), there were many thorny problems to engage him.

The Economist

Mr. Snyder said he loved moving from room to room and being asked to discuss some of medicine's thorny problems.

The New York Times - Health

In the late nineteen-nineties, INED conducted a survey that quickly ran into a thicket of thorny problems.

The New Yorker

"People would bring particularly thorny problems at their companies and the group would try to brainstorm solutions".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thorny problems", ensure the context clearly indicates the complex and multifaceted nature of the issues. Avoid using it for simple or easily solvable problems.

Common error

Avoid using "thorny problems" to describe trivial or easily resolvable issues. This can dilute the phrase's impact and make your writing seem exaggerated. Opt for simpler terms like "issues" or "challenges" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorny problems" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "thorny" modifies the noun "problems". Ludwig AI confirms that it is a commonly used phrase to describe difficult or complex issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorny problems" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe complex and difficult issues. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread use and appropriate application across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains, it signals the presence of challenging issues demanding careful consideration. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the complexity of the problems at hand and avoid overuse in simple scenarios. Consider alternatives like "difficult issues" or "complex challenges" to achieve the desired nuance. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult issues

Emphasizes the difficulty of the problems without necessarily implying complexity.

complex challenges

Highlights the intricate and multi-faceted nature of the challenges.

complicated matters

Focuses on the entanglement and lack of simplicity in the issues.

intricate difficulties

Stresses the elaborateness and sophistication of the difficulties involved.

sensitive issues

Highlights the delicate nature of the problems and the need for careful handling.

challenging dilemmas

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the choices that need to be made.

vexing questions

Focuses on the irritating and perplexing nature of the problems.

knotty questions

Stresses the complexity and difficulty in untangling the questions.

troublesome questions

Highlights the difficulty and anxiety caused by the issues at hand.

serious difficulties

Emphasizes the gravity and potential impact of the difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "thorny problems" in a sentence?

You can use "thorny problems" to describe complex and difficult issues. For example: "The negotiation process was fraught with "thorny problems" related to intellectual property rights".

What are some alternatives to "thorny problems"?

Some alternatives to "thorny problems" include "difficult issues", "complex challenges", or "complicated matters". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "thorny problem" or "thorny problems" grammatically correct?

"Thorny problems" is used when referring to multiple issues, while "thorny problem" refers to a single difficult issue. Both are grammatically correct, depending on the context.

What's the difference between "thorny problems" and "sensitive issues"?

"Thorny problems" emphasizes the complexity and difficulty of the issue, while "sensitive issues" highlights the delicate nature and the need for careful handling. They can overlap, but the focus differs.