a delicate decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a choice that requires careful consideration due to its sensitivity or potential consequences. Example: "Choosing the right candidate for the position was a delicate decision that required input from the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's a delicate decision for us.

The New York Times - Arts

"So it's a delicate decision that they need to make".

The New York Times

A delicate decision for Mr. Bieber was the selection of a series producer.

The New York Times - Arts

With the economy looming as the leading issue in the presidential race, Mr. Bernanke faces a delicate decision.

The New York Times

If Pennington can return, the Jets will have a delicate decision to make, depending on their fortunes.

The New York Times - Sports

If Murray picks up another in the World Cup or if Eoin Reddan, the other scrum-half, does, Ireland will have a delicate decision to make re replacements.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was an extremely delicate decision.

The New York Times

"I am personally quite sceptical about the ability to capture what is a very, very delicate decision about when you endorse, under the law, the taking of someone's life".

BBC

The decision should be the outcome of a very delicate decision-making process, which, however, is currently not available as both literature and practice clearly indicate.

Procedia Engineering

Rarely has Mr. Bush faced such a delicate economic decision.

The New York Times

Atilla Yesilada, a partner at GlobalSource, a research group, wrote in a blog post: "The AKP is at the threshold of the most delicate decision of its 11-year reign: How to handle the protests.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid clichés by providing specific details about why the decision is delicate. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Don't assume that every difficult decision is automatically "delicate". A "delicate decision" implies sensitivity and potential for causing offense or harm, not just general difficulty. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the specific challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in describing choices requiring careful and sensitive consideration. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate decision" is a noun phrase used to describe choices requiring careful and sensitive consideration, as highlighted by examples from Ludwig. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with Science and Formal & Business settings also showing usage. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely warrants a delicate approach, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "a sensitive choice" or "a tricky decision" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive choice

Emphasizes the emotional or ethical considerations involved in the decision.

a tricky decision

Highlights the challenging or complex nature of the decision-making process.

a difficult choice

Focuses on the inherent hardship or unpleasantness associated with the decision.

a challenging determination

Replaces "decision" with a more formal term and emphasizes the difficulty.

a precarious judgment

Suggests the decision involves a high degree of risk or uncertainty.

a nuanced call

Implies the decision requires subtle understanding and careful differentiation.

a weighty determination

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the decision.

a critical assessment

Emphasizes the evaluative aspect of the decision-making process.

a complex conclusion

Highlights the complicated factors that lead to the decision.

a finely balanced consideration

Suggests the decision requires weighing multiple factors with precision.

FAQs

How can I use "a delicate decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a delicate decision" to describe choices needing careful handling. For example, "Choosing between two equally qualified candidates was "a delicate decision" that required careful consideration of their individual strengths and weaknesses".

What are some alternatives to "a delicate decision"?

Alternatives include "a sensitive choice", "a tricky decision", or "a difficult choice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a delicate decision"?

It's appropriate when referring to a choice that requires careful consideration due to its potential to cause offense, harm, or significant disruption. This phrase is most fitting when sensitivity and tact are paramount.

Is there a difference between "a difficult decision" and "a delicate decision"?

Yes, while both imply a challenging choice, "a difficult decision" focuses on the inherent hardship of the choice itself, whereas ""a delicate decision"" emphasizes the sensitivity and potential consequences associated with the choice.