troubling issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubling issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a matter or problem that causes concern or distress. Example: "The report highlighted a troubling issue regarding the safety of the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That is the most troubling issue.

The Guardian

Just as frogs' mating season arrives, a study by a Yale professor raises a troubling issue.

The New York Times - Science

And Troopergate has raised a troubling issue about how the state government now investigates its own.

The New York Times

"It's a very troubling issue, and the stakes here are huge," Mr. Levin said.

The New York Times

His shadowy presence in "Django" unavoidably raises, in this birthday year, the ever troubling issue of Wagner and race.

The New York Times - Arts

That's because the bigger and more troubling issue is whether the information should have been withheld to begin with.

The New York Times

"This is a troubling issue, and we are committed to getting our service members the help they need," she said.

The New York Times

The allegations have been a troubling issue for the department and for Raymond W. Kelly, the police commissioner.

The New York Times

But the deeper and more troubling issue is an underlying wariness to hire on the part of many employers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Among all of the nearly 800 spouses surveyed, regardless of age, it was the third-most-troubling issue, behind time management and sexual issues.

The New York Times

For the rest of his life the Huac testimony remained a deeply troubling issue for him.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troubling issue", clearly define what makes the issue troubling. Providing context and specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "troubling issue" as a vague placeholder. Replace it with a more descriptive phrase that directly addresses the core of the problem, such as "lack of funding" or "environmental degradation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubling issue" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "troubling" modifies the noun "issue". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and functions to introduce a matter of concern. Examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its usage in diverse contexts such as politics, science, and general news.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troubling issue" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a matter of concern, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, with the adjective "troubling" modifying the noun "issue". Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, it is important to provide specific details about what makes the issue troubling to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives include "concerning matter" and "worrisome problem". Overall, "troubling issue" is a versatile and effective way to introduce a problem that warrants attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning matter

Replaces "troubling" with "concerning", focusing on the worry the issue causes.

worrisome problem

Substitutes "issue" with "problem" and "troubling" with "worrisome", highlighting the anxiety associated with it.

disturbing matter

Replaces "troubling" with "disturbing", emphasizing the unsettling nature of the issue.

alarming development

Shifts focus to the unfolding nature of the problem, suggesting a potentially negative trajectory.

sensitive subject

Highlights the delicate nature of the topic, implying potential controversy or discomfort.

delicate situation

Emphasizes the precariousness and need for careful handling of the issue.

serious concern

Underscores the gravity of the issue, indicating it warrants significant attention.

vexing question

Presents the issue as a difficult question that lacks a straightforward answer.

challenging situation

Indicates that the issue presents obstacles and requires effort to resolve.

difficult predicament

Focuses on the unfavorable circumstances surrounding the issue, implying a need for strategic navigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "troubling issue" to introduce a problem that causes concern. For example, "The report highlighted a troubling issue regarding data privacy."

What are some alternatives to "troubling issue"?

You can use alternatives like "concerning matter", "worrisome problem", or "disturbing matter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "troubling issue" formal or informal?

"Troubling issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal or academic writing.

What makes "troubling issue" different from "problematic issue"?

"Troubling issue" emphasizes the worry or concern caused by the problem, while "problematic issue" focuses on the difficulties or obstacles it presents.