a delicate job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that requires careful handling or sensitivity due to its complexity or potential consequences. Example: "The negotiation was a delicate job, requiring tact and diplomacy to ensure both parties felt heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Some labelled this competitive devaluation.Managing such conflicts is a delicate job.

The Economist

Muriel, who often blurs the boundaries between professional and personal, gives Juan a delicate job.

The Guardian - Books

"It's a delicate job, because the mains are so large and the drilling is so complex," she said.

The New York Times

It is a delicate job, perhaps ideally done by another singer, but Ms. London long ago cultivated a keen empathy for young singers and what they need.

The New York Times - Arts

In 1386, Chaucer was a customs official in London – a delicate job which meant being seen to enforce the law while not damaging the profits of powerful men who made fortunes from the wool trade.

Independent

Whomever she hires will face a delicate job: producing a manuscript that balances Mrs. Clinton's priorities with those of her publishers at Simon & Schuster, who must approve the book.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

NASA sits in the middle of a vast wildlife refuge, so replacing the dunes was a more delicate job than simply sending in bulldozers and piling up dirt.

The New York Times - Science

She does a beautifully delicate job of showing how the gang make the transition from a childhood morality, where every act is either justifiable or unforgivable, to a more complex process of analysis, acceptance and empathy.

The Guardian - Books

Given the emotional and economic importance attached to French culture, it has always been a politically delicate job allocating the state's largess, but it is especially tough to cut it.

The New York Times

In jobs like his, your worth is entirely based on the connections you have, which makes it "a very delicate job...

Science Magazine

"It's a very delicate job," Beck said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delicate job", ensure the context clearly indicates why the task requires careful handling. For instance, mention potential sensitivities, complexities, or risks involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate job" when the task is merely routine or straightforward. Reserve it for situations where careful handling is genuinely critical to success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate job" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "delicate" modifies the noun "job". It describes the nature or characteristic of the job being referred to. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a delicate job" describes a task needing careful handling, tact, and sensitivity, as verified by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media, books, and academic contexts. Alternative phrases include "a sensitive task" or "a tricky assignment". Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the need for caution and awareness in a given situation. Avoid overusing it for routine tasks to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive task

Focuses on the need for sensitivity and awareness.

a sensitive operation

Emphasizes discretion and careful management.

a tricky assignment

Emphasizes the challenging and potentially problematic nature.

a challenging undertaking

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved.

a difficult undertaking

Highlights that the operation or task is challenging.

a precarious endeavor

Stresses the risk and instability associated with the task.

a subtle undertaking

Focuses on the requirement of nuance and attention to detail.

a complex operation

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature.

a demanding responsibility

Emphasizes the high expectations and burden involved.

a critical responsibility

Highlights the importance of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a delicate job" to describe a task that requires careful handling or sensitivity. For example, "Negotiating peace between warring factions is "a delicate job"".

What can I say instead of "a delicate job"?

Alternatives include "a sensitive task", "a tricky assignment", or "a challenging undertaking" depending on the specific context.

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

Use "a delicate job" when referring to a task that demands careful handling, tact, or precision due to potential complexities, sensitivities, or risks involved.

What's the difference between "a delicate job" and "a difficult job"?

"A delicate job" implies the need for carefulness and sensitivity, while "a difficult job" simply indicates a task that is hard to accomplish, regardless of required sensitivity.