tricky issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"tricky issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any challenge or problem that is difficult to solve or understand. For example: "The President faced a tricky issue in deciding how to respond to the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's a tricky issue.

The Guardian - Film

This is a tricky issue.

The New Yorker

Another tricky issue is parking.

The New York Times

"It's a very tricky issue".

The Guardian - Tech

This is undeniably a tricky issue.

The New York Times

Still, this is a tricky issue.

The New York Times

Campaign-finance is a tricky issue.

The Economist

But honor is a tricky issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Allocation has been a very tricky issue," Ms. Kindell said.

The New York Times

The really tricky issue is not how, but when.

The Economist

Johnson is also aware that the tricky issue of Moody's fitness cannot be fudged much longer.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky issue", provide enough context to explain why the issue is considered tricky. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "tricky issue" without exploring more descriptive alternatives. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tricky" modifies the noun "issue". It serves to characterize a specific problem or matter as being complex and requiring careful handling. As Ludwig AI explains, it is appropriate for general use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky issue" is a commonly used phrase to describe a complex or sensitive problem requiring careful handling. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in current events and discussions. When writing, remember to provide enough context to clarify the specific challenges of the issue and consider using alternative phrases to avoid repetition. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult question

A more direct synonym of "tricky issue", indicating something requiring thought and effort to address.

challenging matter

Replaces "issue" with "matter", suggesting a problem that requires effort and skill to resolve. Less direct than "tricky issue".

complicated problem

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the problem. Less focused on the difficulty in handling it.

complex dilemma

Highlights the difficult choice between two or more options, all of which have drawbacks. More focused on the choice than the difficulty itself.

delicate situation

Highlights the sensitivity and potential for negative consequences of the issue. More focused on potential harm than difficulty.

knotty predicament

A more figurative way of saying "tricky issue," suggesting a situation that is tangled and difficult to unravel.

thorny question

Implies the issue is contentious and likely to provoke disagreement. More about conflict than difficulty.

problematic aspect

Focuses on a specific part or element of a situation that is causing difficulty or concern. More specific than a general issue.

sensitive subject

Indicates that the issue needs to be handled with care and discretion, possibly due to emotional or ethical concerns. Focuses on emotional considerations.

vexing concern

Implies that the issue is causing worry or annoyance. More focused on emotional impact.

FAQs

What does "tricky issue" mean?

The phrase "tricky issue" refers to a problem or situation that is difficult to deal with, often requiring careful consideration and tact due to its complexity or sensitivity. It implies that there are potential pitfalls or negative consequences if not handled correctly.

How can I use "tricky issue" in a sentence?

You can use "tricky issue" in a sentence like this: "Navigating the company's new policy on remote work is a "tricky issue" given the varying needs of different departments.".

What are some synonyms for "tricky issue"?

Some synonyms for "tricky issue" include "challenging matter", "delicate situation", "complicated problem", or "sensitive subject". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "tricky issue" formal or informal?

"Tricky issue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "complex dilemma".