a sticky time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sticky time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging situation, often implying that it is complicated or troublesome. Example: "We are going through a sticky time in our project due to unforeseen challenges and tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He was friendly with composer Hanns Eisler (and had a sticky time at a press conference after the release of 1947's Monsieur Verdoux, when he was asked to respond to allegations that Eisler was a communist).

The Guardian

Hogan, who ran GE's health care business, arrived at a sticky time.

Forbes

"It's a wonderful club with a great support that's just had a bit of a sticky time of late".

BBC

Boss Mauricio Pochettino is certainly not hiding behind excuses after seeing his side endure a sticky time in the Premier League, winning just one of their six games.

BBC

However, she's had a sticky time of it in her search for Bee Hive honey, a solidified product similar to butter sticks that used to come in a blue-and-white five-pound container.

Los Angeles Times

It will make you closer in a sticky time when you may be tempted to separate for the sake of avoiding uncomfortable situations.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was hacked into sections and wok-fried with a sticky, time-honored Cantonese sauce of scallions and slivers of ginger.

The New York Times - Food

I had a very sticky time defending the right of women to do the kind of things Alison did, but, at the same time, enormous numbers of people wrote to me to say it helped them to climb the mountains of everyday life.

The Guardian

This year, Pride Month comes at a pretty sticky time.

Huffington Post

How to deal: If you're considering wedding at a potentially sticky time of year, check in with your closest loved ones to see if they already have set plans or would be open to attending.

HuffPost

Alignment can be a sticky situation from time to time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sticky time", consider the audience and context. While generally acceptable, in more formal settings, a more precise or professional term might be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "a sticky time" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "challenging period" or "complex situation" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sticky time" functions as a noun phrase describing a period or situation characterized by difficulties or complications. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability, confirming its role in everyday language. This aligns with various examples showing it describing challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sticky time" is a phrase used to describe a challenging or difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though it's more common in neutral to informal contexts. While suitable for general communication, in formal settings, consider alternatives like "complex situation" or "challenging period". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting its role in reporting and discussing current events. When writing, be mindful of your audience and choose the most appropriate phrasing for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time, highlighting the difficulty experienced.

a trying time

Highlights the testing and challenging experience one is undergoing.

a tough situation

Emphasizes the challenging and potentially unpleasant circumstances.

a problematic phase

Highlights the presence of problems and issues during that time.

a challenging moment

Underlines the demanding and testing aspects of the specific moment.

a troublesome period

Focuses on the worry and inconvenience caused during the time.

a complicated situation

Emphasizes the intricate and complex nature of the circumstances.

a delicate juncture

Highlights the sensitivity and potential for negative outcomes at this point.

a precarious moment

Focuses on the instability and risk associated with the situation.

an awkward phase

Emphasizes the uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing aspects of the time.

FAQs

What does "a sticky time" mean?

The phrase "a sticky time" refers to a difficult, awkward, or problematic situation or period. It implies that the situation is complicated and may be hard to resolve.

What can I say instead of "a sticky time"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult period", "a tough situation", or "a challenging moment" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a sticky time" in formal writing?

While understandable, "a sticky time" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, more precise alternatives such as "complex situation" or "challenging phase" are more appropriate.

How can I use "a sticky time" in a sentence?

You can use "a sticky time" to describe a period or event fraught with difficulties. For example, "The company is going through a sticky time due to the economic downturn."