a delicate task to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate task to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a task that requires careful handling or sensitivity. Example: "Organizing the event was a delicate task to ensure everyone's preferences were considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This all adds to the complexity, and providing advice can be a delicate task, to be sure.

The Economist

Mr. Rasmussen will have a delicate task to perform when he visits Moscow on Wednesday to prepare for the summit meeting two weeks later, as relations between NATO and Russia have been strained.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As party leader, he also has the delicate task of choosing UMNO's candidates for the election.

The Economist

Dick Thornburgh, then attorney general, says he relied on Mr. Mueller for some of the department's most delicate tasks.

The New York Times

Still, the Indian government faces a delicate task: It needs to raise more money for social services and infrastructure, but doing so could add to the financial strains on the country's many poor people.

The New York Times

Still, backers of the 844-page legislation — who include President Obama — were already facing a delicate task in trying to pass it in the next six weeks.

The New York Times

"You can't delegate such a delicate task as cleaning to volunteers," said Rita Paris, who is responsible for the regional park on behalf of the Culture Ministry.

The New York Times

He faces a delicate task in trying to stake out common ground with conservative Christians, while not running afoul of deeply rooted evangelical sensitivities about any blurring of distinctions between Mormonism and conventional Protestantism.

The New York Times

Transfer of mammalian cell culture processes across stirred and aerated bioreactor scales is a delicate task, frequently leading to different conditions across scales.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

Persuading him to step aside, however, presented a delicate task, and any effort to remove him forcibly, which would have required a vote by the Democratic caucus, could well have failed.

The New York Times

Hollande, the frontrunner, has a delicate task of reaching out to the FN's protest vote while not alienating his core left and centrist voters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a delicate task to" when you want to emphasize the need for careful handling, sensitivity, or tact in approaching a particular job or situation. This highlights the potential for things to go wrong if not managed properly.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate task to" for routine or simple tasks. The phrase implies complexity and a need for careful consideration, so using it in mundane situations can sound exaggerated or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate task to" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing a particular activity or responsibility as requiring careful handling and sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples where careful handling or sensitivity is required.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a delicate task to" is a valid and useful expression for describing situations that require careful and sensitive handling. Ludwig AI's analysis, based on limited examples, suggests its usage is most common in news and scientific contexts, implying a neutral to professional tone. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely warrants the emphasis on tact and sensitivity, as overuse in simpler scenarios can diminish its impact. While not frequently encountered, its precise meaning makes it a valuable tool in specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate work to

Replaces "task" with "work", emphasizing effort and labor involved.

a delicate mission to

Substitutes "task" with "mission", suggesting a specific and important goal.

a difficult task to

Replaces "delicate" with "difficult", focusing on the challenge rather than sensitivity.

a tricky task to

Uses "tricky" instead of "delicate", highlighting the need for cunning or cleverness.

a substantial task to

Emphasizes the size or importance of the task.

a complicated task to

Focuses on the complexity of the task.

a laborious task to

Highlights the effort and time required.

a delicate order to

Replaces "task" with "order", suggesting a command that needs careful execution.

a cumbersome task to

Focuses on the awkwardness or difficulty in handling the task.

a delicate business to

Replaces "task" with "business", suggesting a matter that requires tact and skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "a delicate task to" to describe a situation requiring careful handling. For example, "Negotiating the contract was "a delicate task to" ensure both parties felt satisfied".

What are some synonyms for "a delicate task to"?

Alternatives include "a sensitive task to", "a challenging task to", or "a tricky situation to manage". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the need for sensitivity or the level of difficulty. "A delicate task to" focuses on tact and care, while "a difficult task to" highlights the challenges involved. You can also see "a tricky task to", for even more options.

In what situations is "a delicate task to" most appropriate?

"A delicate task to" is most appropriate when describing situations that require careful consideration, tact, and sensitivity to avoid negative consequences or hurt feelings. This is in contrast to "a difficult task to", which highlights challenges to be overcome.