tricky issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky issues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to complex or challenging problems that may require careful consideration or skill to resolve. Example: "The team is currently addressing several tricky issues related to the project's timeline and budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They face two tricky issues.

The Economist

We love taking on the tricky issues".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

YOU can't accuse Mitt Romney of skirting the tricky issues.

The Economist

But there are some tricky issues to be resolved.

Independent

He said that advances in technology were raising tricky issues.

The New York Times - Arts

Further tricky issues abound: who should have the right to sell credits?

The Economist

Speed will be essential in preventing tricky issues from becoming stumbling-blocks.

The Economist

A trio of American academics has a new suggestion intended to sidestep these tricky issues.

The Economist

Tricky issues such as a public-sector pay round and planned tax cuts loom.

The Economist

Concessions will be needed on such tricky issues as letting foreign firms bid for government contracts.

The Economist

Establishing such a state would involve more tricky issues than can be addressed in this space.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky issues", provide context to clarify the specific nature of the difficulty. For example, specify whether the issues are tricky due to ethical considerations, technical complexity, or political sensitivity.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky issues" without providing any specific details or examples. This can make your writing sound vague and uninformative. Instead, briefly describe the issues to give the reader a clearer understanding of the challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky issues" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "tricky" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "issues". It is used to describe problems or subjects that require careful handling due to their complexity or sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid and used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky issues" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase for referring to complex or sensitive problems. As Ludwig AI points out, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. To enhance clarity, always provide context when using this phrase. Remember to avoid vagueness and instead offer specific details about the issues at hand. Consider related phrases such as "complex problems" or ""challenging questions"" to add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "tricky issues" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex problems

Focuses on the complexity of the issues, rather than the difficulty.

sensitive matters

Emphasizes the delicacy and potential for causing offense or disagreement.

challenging questions

Highlights the intellectual demand required to address the issues.

difficult subjects

Underlines the inherent hardship in discussing or resolving these issues.

complicated matters

Stresses the intricacy and convoluted nature of the issues.

delicate situations

Highlights the need for careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

thorny questions

Emphasizes the problematic and potentially painful nature of the issues.

contentious topics

Focuses on the likelihood of disagreement or dispute surrounding the issues.

problematic aspects

Highlights the problematic and potentially troublesome nature of the issues.

knotty challenges

Emphasizes the intricate and difficult-to-resolve nature of the issues.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "tricky issues", ensure you provide enough context so the reader understands the specific challenges involved. For example, 'The negotiation faces several "challenging questions" regarding intellectual property rights'.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "tricky issues"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "complex problems", "sensitive matters", or ""challenging questions"".

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

Use "tricky issues" when you want to refer to problems or subjects that are complex, sensitive, or difficult to handle, and when you need a general term that encompasses various types of challenges. This contrasts with alternatives like "thorny questions", which might imply a more painful or problematic situation.

What makes an issue "tricky"?

An issue can be "tricky" due to various reasons, such as ethical dilemmas, technical complexity, potential for causing offense, or conflicting interests. The context should clarify the specific source of the difficulty. Using a term like "complicated matters" emphasizes complexity rather than the sensitive nature of the problem.