troublesome questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troublesome questions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to questions that are difficult, problematic, or cause concern. Example: "The committee faced several troublesome questions during the debate that required careful consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

Independent

Forrester also avoids some troublesome questions that arise from the restricted purview of his model.

The New York Times

The latter development in particular raises troublesome questions about the Court's appropriate role in our polity.

Columbia University

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

The New Yorker

Further, by reviewing all existing assets and processes, the team raised and resolved troublesome questions that the company had avoided.

Harvard Business Review

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

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 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 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

That is the troublesome question raised in "Luce," a thoughtful, well-acted new play by J C Lee that opened on Monday night at Lincoln Center's Claire Tow Theater.

The New York Times

The question of Soviet intentions has not been addressed by the Europeans because it raises the troublesome question of Soviet ideology.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "troublesome questions" when the questions themselves are the source of the problem, not just the answers they might elicit.

Common error

Avoid using "troublesome questions" when the issue lies in finding the answer, not in the nature of the question itself. A question requiring extensive research isn't necessarily "troublesome"; it's simply demanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troublesome questions" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "troublesome" describes the nature of the questions, indicating that they are problematic or difficult. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "troublesome questions" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe inquiries that are difficult, problematic, or cause concern. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across various contexts. The phrase appears most often in News & Media and Academic settings, reflecting its suitability for discussing complex issues. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, and be mindful that the questions themselves are the source of trouble. Alternatives such as "difficult inquiries" or "problematic queries" may be more precise depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging questions

Stresses the demanding nature of the questions, requiring significant thought or effort.

difficult inquiries

Emphasizes the level of effort or understanding needed to address the questions.

complex questions

Indicates that the questions involve many interconnected parts or layers.

problematic queries

Highlights the issues or obstacles that arise when considering the questions.

delicate questions

Highlights the need for careful handling due to potential sensitivity or controversy.

sensitive inquiries

Focuses on the delicate or confidential nature of the questions.

thorny questions

Implies that the questions are prickly or difficult to handle, potentially leading to conflict.

vexing questions

Implies that the questions are irritating or frustrating to deal with.

awkward questions

Suggests the questions could cause discomfort or embarrassment.

unsettling questions

Highlights the potential for the questions to cause unease or anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "troublesome questions" to describe inquiries that are difficult, problematic, or cause concern. For example: "The investigation raised several "troublesome questions" about the company's financial practices."

What are some alternatives to "troublesome questions"?

Alternatives include "difficult inquiries", "problematic queries", or "sensitive inquiries". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a troublesome question" instead of "troublesome questions"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "a troublesome question" refers to a single inquiry, while ""troublesome questions"" refers to multiple inquiries. The choice depends on whether you're discussing one question or several.

What makes a question "troublesome"?

A question can be "troublesome" if it is difficult to answer, raises ethical concerns, or is likely to cause disagreement or conflict. The term implies that the question itself is the source of the problem, not just the answer.