troublesome question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troublesome question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is difficult, complex, or causes concern. Example: "The committee faced a troublesome question regarding the ethical implications of their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And because it doesn't, it raises the troublesome question of insincerity and bad faith.

The New York Times

"It's a very troublesome question for me as to what the hell to do with them," he said recently.

The New Yorker

The troublesome question of Harry's puberty is the subject of much more suspense among his young fans and their parents.

The New York Times

The most intriguing, and troublesome, question is whether the company can stay in the digital device business at all over the long run.

The New York Times

Beyond the political uproar in Washington lies a deeper and even more troublesome question: Can the C.I.A. and the other spy agencies prevent another such disaster?

The New York Times

The most troublesome question is whether he acted as a "sleeper," a militant told to act normally, to infiltrate the police, and wait.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Then there's Andrew Mitchell, an opponent of human rights reforms who is asking increasingly troublesome questions.

Independent

But troublesome questions have lingered, and the existence of large-scale rebound effects is not so easy to dismiss.

The New Yorker

Green said actors and directors often developed standard responses in order to protect themselves from troublesome questions.

The Guardian - Film

Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, said Mr. Burkle's assistance "raises very serious and troublesome questions" about the pardon process.

The New York Times

Yet a fluke event -- "once in a hundred years," as a lawyer later said -- provided a candid glimpse of the search and raised troublesome questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troublesome question", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It suggests not just difficulty, but also potential for causing problems or concern. Choose it when both aspects are relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "troublesome question" when a simpler term like "difficult question" or "complex question" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troublesome question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "troublesome" modifies the noun "question". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troublesome question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a question that is not only difficult but also potentially problematic or concerning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. While alternatives like "difficult question" or "challenging question" exist, "troublesome question" specifically highlights the problematic nature of the issue. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, ensuring that both the difficulty and the potential for problems are relevant to the context. Remember that while commonly used, overuse can be avoided by choosing simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult question

Focuses on the difficulty of the question, omitting the sense of potential concern.

challenging question

Emphasizes the intellectual challenge posed by the question, rather than its problematic nature.

thorny question

Implies a question that is complex and potentially contentious.

problematic question

Highlights the problematic or concerning aspects of the question.

complex question

Focuses on the intricate nature of the question, rather than any difficulty or concern it might cause.

delicate question

Suggests a question that needs to be handled with care and sensitivity.

sensitive question

Highlights the potential for the question to cause emotional distress or offense.

complicated question

Emphasizes the intricate and potentially confusing aspects of the question.

awkward question

Implies a question that is uncomfortable or embarrassing to ask or answer.

vexing question

Highlights the frustrating and irritating nature of the question.

FAQs

What does "troublesome question" mean?

A "troublesome question" is a question that is difficult to answer or deal with, often because it raises complex issues or causes concern.

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

You might say, "The ethical implications of this research present a "troublesome question" for the scientific community." or "Finding a solution to climate change poses a "troublesome question" for policymakers."

What can I say instead of "troublesome question"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult question", "challenging question", or "problematic question" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "troublesome question" and "difficult question"?

While both phrases refer to questions that are hard to answer, "troublesome question" implies that the question is not only difficult but also potentially causes problems or raises concerns. "Difficult question" simply emphasizes the complexity of the question itself.