thorny question

USAGE SUMMARY

"thorny question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a difficult question that is hard to answer. For example: "She was faced with a thorny question: what should she do next?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An equally thorny question involves state jurisdiction.

The New York Times

In religious history, that has been a very thorny question.

The Economist

A father recently put a thorny question to the authors.

The New York Times - Health

A thorny question is the role Andy Hornby will play.

The Guardian - Business

Finally, the thorny question of the S.C.O.'s membership expansion also divides the core members.

The New York Times

Another thorny question is how to untangle Mr. Ramaphosa from the business he has built.

The New York Times

This raises a thorny question: Does the collection deserve so much space?

The New Yorker

But how the drug should be taxed has proved to be a thorny question.

The New York Times

All of which brings us back to the thorny question of what Jaws is really about.

The Guardian - Film

And here we come to the thorny question of Lanark's Scottishness.

The Guardian - Books

Of course, this still leaves the thorny question of who should pay.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thorny question" when you want to emphasize the complexity and difficulty in finding a resolution to a specific issue or inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "thorny question" when a simpler term like "difficult question" or "problem" would suffice. Overusing it in uncomplicated scenarios can sound pretentious or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorny question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "thorny" modifies the noun "question". According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorny question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a complex and challenging inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and business, though predominantly found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a difficult and intricate issue needing careful consideration. For alternatives, consider "difficult issue" or "complicated problem" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult issue

Replaces "question" with a more general term "issue", focusing on the problematic nature.

tricky issue

Indicates a need for caution and cleverness in addressing the situation.

complicated problem

Substitutes both "thorny" and "question" to highlight the complexity of the situation.

vexing issue

Emphasizes the annoyance and frustration caused by the question.

challenging matter

Emphasizes the difficulty in dealing with the subject at hand.

intricate problem

Stresses the complex and detailed nature of the issue.

delicate matter

Highlights the sensitivity and careful handling required.

complex dilemma

Presents the issue as a choice between equally undesirable options.

controversial topic

Focuses on the likelihood of disagreement and conflicting opinions.

contentious point

Highlights the debate and argument surrounding the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorny question" to describe a complex or difficult issue that is hard to resolve. For example: "The negotiation raised the "thorny question" of who should bear the financial responsibility".

What can I say instead of "thorny question"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult issue", "complicated problem", or "challenging matter" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "thorny question" or "sensitive question"?

While both describe challenging issues, ""thorny question"" emphasizes the complexity and difficulty of resolution, while "sensitive question" focuses on the delicacy and potential for causing offense or discomfort.

What makes a question "thorny"?

A question becomes "thorny" when it involves numerous interconnected factors, conflicting viewpoints, and a lack of clear or easy solutions, making it difficult to address without causing further complications.