touchy issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touchy issues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to sensitive or controversial topics that may provoke strong emotions or reactions. Example: "During the meeting, we avoided discussing touchy issues like budget cuts and layoffs to maintain a positive atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

All of these are touchy issues for most co-ops".

The New York Times

But Mr. Bloomberg tiptoed around some other touchy issues.

The New York Times

But as the site has grown, Mr. Tipton has faced some touchy issues.

The New York Times - Tech

She said that because eating and body image can be touchy issues, she tried to put interview subjects at ease.

The New York Times

Beyond that lie touchy issues of security, privacy and permission.Is privacy something we will trade off for convenience?

The Economist

But on Thursday, it became — at least for a brief moment — about the always touchy issues of race and religion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Fishing, it seems, is a touchy issue.

The New York Times

But this is a touchy issue.

The Economist

It's not a touchy issue.

The New York Times

Legacy admissions have become an increasingly touchy issue for colleges.

The New York Times

Trade has been a touchy issue in the Democratic campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "touchy issues", maintain a neutral and objective tone to avoid alienating readers. Provide factual information and diverse perspectives to foster constructive dialogue.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "touchy issue" is universally controversial. Recognize that sensitivities can vary across cultures, communities, and individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touchy issues" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence, typically referring to topics that are sensitive, controversial, or likely to cause disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "touchy issues" effectively identifies sensitive or controversial topics, predominantly within News & Media. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and common, signaling the need for careful communication. When using "touchy issues", strive for neutrality and respect diverse viewpoints. Alternatives such as "sensitive subjects" or "delicate matters" may be suitable in more formal or nuanced contexts. A key writing tip is to avoid overgeneralizing the scope of what constitutes a "touchy" subject, acknowledging the variability of sensitivities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive subjects

Replaces "issues" with "subjects", emphasizing the topic rather than the problem aspect; maintains a high degree of interchangeability.

delicate matters

Substitutes "touchy" with "delicate" and "issues" with "matters", softening the tone and suggesting a need for careful handling.

controversial topics

Replaces "touchy" with "controversial", highlighting the potential for disagreement or debate; less emphasis on emotional sensitivity.

difficult questions

Changes the focus to the challenging nature of the subjects, rather than their emotional impact.

thorny problems

Uses a metaphor to describe the issues as complex and potentially painful to address.

sensitive areas

Focuses on specific domains or fields that require a higher-than-average degree of tact.

awkward situations

Shifts the emphasis to social discomfort or potential embarrassment.

challenging dilemmas

Emphasizes the difficult decision-making associated with the issues.

contentious subjects

Highlights the potential for heated debate or argument.

uncomfortable truths

Suggests the issues are sensitive because they reveal something unpleasant or undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "touchy issues" in a sentence?

The phrase "touchy issues" is used to refer to subjects that are sensitive or controversial and require careful handling. For example: "The discussion avoided "touchy issues" like politics and religion."

What are some alternatives to using "touchy issues"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "sensitive subjects", "delicate matters", or "controversial topics".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "touchy issues" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to describe topics or subjects that are likely to cause disagreement, discomfort, or emotional reactions. Ensure your approach is respectful and mindful of potential sensitivities.

What makes an issue "touchy"?

An issue becomes "touchy" when it involves deeply held beliefs, personal experiences, or sensitive aspects of identity, making it prone to causing offense or emotional distress when discussed.