a delicate task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate task" 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: "Organizing the event was a delicate task, as we had to consider the preferences of all the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Theirs is a delicate task.

The Economist

Monitoring patients is a delicate task.

The New York Times - Health

The heroine is given a delicate task.

The New Yorker

That makes fixing its banking system a delicate task.

The New York Times

Evaluating Santana's Mets career is a delicate task.

The New York Times

Working among conflicting rebel factions has proved a delicate task.

The New York Times - Health

Giving Brussels itself a new aura is a delicate task.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, rebuilding the deposit insurance fund is a delicate task.

The New York Times

However, igniting and successfully maintaining cross-disciplinary collaborations can be a delicate task.

Harvard University

It will be a delicate task for Martinez, their second-year manager.

The Washington Post

Changing the way a daily paper looks can be a delicate task.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task that involves interpersonal interactions, consider using "a delicate task" to emphasize the need for sensitivity and diplomacy.

Common error

While "a delicate task" is widely understood, be mindful of its slightly formal tone. In casual conversation or informal writing, consider using alternatives like "a tricky job" or "a sensitive issue" for a more natural feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate task" functions as a noun phrase, where 'delicate' modifies 'task', indicating a need for careful and sensitive handling. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness, with numerous examples showing its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate task" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes situations demanding careful and sensitive handling. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in news, science, and academic writing, this phrase carries a neutral to formal tone. When using "a delicate task", consider its slightly formal nature in casual settings and explore alternatives like "a tricky job" or "a sensitive issue" for a more natural feel. The frequency and authoritative sources support its appropriate usage in professional and formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive undertaking

Replaces 'task' with 'undertaking', implying a more significant commitment and responsibility; and 'delicate' with 'sensitive'.

a subtle operation

Emphasizes the need for finesse and careful execution, using 'subtle' to replace 'delicate' and 'operation' instead of 'task'.

a complicated procedure

Highlights the complexity of the task, using 'complicated' instead of 'delicate' and 'procedure' as a more formal replacement for 'task'.

a tricky assignment

Substitutes 'delicate' with 'tricky', highlighting the challenging and potentially problematic nature of the task; and 'task' with 'assignment'.

a complex undertaking

Focuses on the intricacy of the task, replacing 'delicate' with 'complex' and 'task' with 'undertaking'.

a challenging endeavor

Replaces 'delicate' with 'challenging', focusing on the difficulty involved, and 'task' with 'endeavor', suggesting a more ambitious undertaking.

a difficult matter

Generalizes the task into a 'matter', indicating a situation needing resolution, and uses 'difficult' instead of 'delicate'.

a precarious situation

Shifts the focus from the task itself to the overall situation, emphasizing the instability and potential danger involved. It changes the noun.

a fraught process

Emphasizes the stress and potential for problems associated with the task, using 'fraught' and 'process' instead of 'delicate task'.

a demanding responsibility

Highlights the onerous nature of the task by using 'demanding' and framing it as a 'responsibility'. It changes the noun.

FAQs

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

You can use "a delicate task" to describe situations requiring careful handling or sensitivity, such as, "Negotiating the contract proved to be "a delicate task" because both parties had strong opinions".

What are some alternatives to "a delicate task"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a sensitive undertaking", "a tricky assignment", or "a challenging endeavor".

When is it appropriate to use "a delicate task"?

It's appropriate to use "a delicate task" when describing a situation that requires careful handling, tact, and sensitivity to avoid causing offense or problems. It's often used in professional or formal contexts.

Is "a delicate task" the same as "a difficult task"?

While both phrases describe challenging situations, "a delicate task" emphasizes the need for sensitivity and careful handling, whereas "a difficult task" /s/a+difficult+task simply highlights the level of effort or skill required.