a delicate undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that requires careful handling or consideration due to its complexity or sensitivity. Example: "Organizing the charity event was a delicate undertaking, as we had to ensure the needs of all stakeholders were met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The introduction of technology into the church can be a delicate undertaking, several ministers said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I realize now that eating is actually an extremely delicate undertaking.

The New Yorker

There is no doubt that policing the managed area is a difficult and delicate undertaking, or that West Yorkshire Police have taken a brave and progressive step by agreeing to do it.

Vice

There is no doubt that policing the managed area is a difficult and delicate undertaking, or that West Yorkshire Police has taken a brave and progressive step by agreeing to do it.

Vice

This is a fraught and delicate undertaking.

The New York Times

Anger runs high and this will be a controversial and delicate undertaking.

Huffington Post

But even if the Sony release blows the doors off the box office like, well, 007 making a grand entrance, it can't hide what those who worked on it quietly acknowledge — making this movie was a more difficult and delicate undertaking than ever.

Los Angeles Times

Two floors above, in another room, some of the children's mothers, having finished their sign-language tutorial, were discussing the delicate undertaking of raising an autonomous disabled child.

The New York Times

And so began the delicate undertaking of turning her parents' home into a space she could live in as an adult, a home for herself and her husband.

The New York Times

"It is a delicate and sensitive undertaking," Mr. Law said.

The New York Times

This is a delicate and difficult undertaking, for obvious reasons.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delicate undertaking", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the undertaking delicate. Be specific about the potential risks or sensitivities involved to provide a complete picture for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate undertaking" when the task is simply difficult but doesn't involve significant sensitivity or risk of causing offense. Choose a more appropriate phrase like "a challenging task" if delicacy isn't the primary concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "delicate" modifies the noun "undertaking". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase indicates something that requires careful handling. Examples show its use in describing situations requiring sensitivity and care.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate undertaking" is a phrase used to describe a task or project that requires careful handling due to its complexity or sensitivity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While there are many alternatives, such as "a sensitive operation" or "a precarious task", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly highlights the reasons for its delicacy. Remember, it's a term best suited for situations genuinely requiring tact and care, not just general difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive operation

Replaces "undertaking" with "operation", suggesting a procedure requiring care.

a precarious task

Substitutes "delicate" with "precarious", highlighting the risk involved.

a tricky endeavor

Uses "tricky" instead of "delicate", emphasizing the difficulty and potential for missteps.

a challenging assignment

Replaces "undertaking" with "assignment", suggesting a formal task with difficulties.

a complex matter

Focuses on the intricate nature of the situation, rather than the need for careful handling.

a subtle maneuver

Highlights the need for finesse and indirect action.

a careful negotiation

Specifies the undertaking as a negotiation requiring careful handling.

a demanding process

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in the undertaking.

a critical effort

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the undertaking.

a painstaking project

Stresses the need for thoroughness and attention to detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "a delicate undertaking" to describe a task that requires careful handling due to its sensitivity or complexity. For example, "Negotiating the peace treaty was "a delicate undertaking" because of the long-standing tensions between the countries involved."

What are some alternatives to "a delicate undertaking"?

Alternatives to "a delicate undertaking" include phrases like "a sensitive operation", "a precarious task", or "a tricky endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific nuances you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "a delicate undertaking" when the task at hand requires careful and tactful management to avoid causing harm, offense, or failure. It suggests that the situation is not only difficult but also requires a sensitive approach.

Is "a delicate undertaking" a formal or informal expression?

"A delicate undertaking" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for use in news reports, professional documents, and academic writing. It's less common in casual conversation.