a delicate position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is sensitive, precarious, or requires careful handling. Example: "She found herself in a delicate position, having to balance her loyalty to her friend with her responsibilities at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But states are in a delicate position.

The New York Times

The Karmapa is in a delicate position.

The Economist

The mayor is in a delicate position.

The New York Times

He and the company are in a delicate position.

The New York Times - Arts

The effort puts the Bush administration in a delicate position.

The New York Times

Mr. Clinton is now in a delicate position.

The New York Times

That puts the Cuomo administration in a delicate position.

The New Yorker

The vote places Mr. Erdogan in a delicate position.

The New York Times

It is a delicate position for politicians who want to reflect the public mind.

The Guardian

Another American intelligence official pointed out that Vajpayee, like Musharraf, was in a delicate position.

The New Yorker

"We find ourselves in a delicate position," the Pope admitted, referring to the Church.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delicate position", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it the sensitivity, the risk, or the difficulty? Choose synonyms accordingly to refine your meaning.

Common error

While "a delicate position" is acceptable, avoid overuse, especially in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using more precise terms like "precarious situation" or "sensitive matter" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate position" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a delicate position" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation needing careful handling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media, conveying sensitivity or potential risk. While versatile, consider refining your word choice depending on the context, opting for synonyms like "sensitive situation" or "precarious situation" to enhance precision. While acceptable for many purposes, overuse in formal writing should be avoided for richer vocabulary. Remember to emphasize either the delicacy of the situation, the risk, or the challenge involved to best suit your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive situation

Focuses on the sensitivity of the situation, highlighting the need for tact and understanding.

a precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential for negative outcomes.

a tricky spot

Indicates a challenging and potentially problematic situation.

a difficult predicament

Highlights the challenging and potentially undesirable nature of the situation.

a challenging circumstance

Emphasizes the demanding and testing aspects of the situation.

a fragile state

Highlights the vulnerability and susceptibility to disruption.

an awkward situation

Stresses the uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing nature of the circumstances.

a vulnerable place

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

a tenuous situation

Highlights the lack of stability and the likelihood of change.

a critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the moment and the potential for significant consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a delicate position" to describe a situation that requires careful handling or is sensitive. For instance, "The ongoing negotiations have placed the mediator in "a delicate position"."

What are some alternatives to "a delicate position"?

You can use alternatives like "a sensitive situation", "a precarious situation", or "a tricky spot" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a delicate position" or "a difficult position"?

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "A delicate position" emphasizes sensitivity and the need for careful handling, while "a difficult position" highlights the challenges and hardships involved. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.

What makes a situation described as "a delicate position"?

A situation is described as "a delicate position" when it requires careful consideration, tact, and sensitivity to avoid causing harm or offense. It often involves balancing conflicting interests or navigating complex relationships.