a thorny task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorny task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or complicated task that may present challenges or obstacles. Example: "Completing the project on time proved to be a thorny task due to unforeseen complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For educators, determining whether a student meets residency requirements can be a thorny task, with rules varying from district to district and state to state.

The New York Times

Self-driving cars might soon have to make such ethical judgments on their own — but settling on a universal moral code for the vehicles could be a thorny task, suggests a survey of 2.3 million people from around the world.

Nature

Longfield accepts that the charity has taken on a thorny task at a critical time, not least because the coalition's austerity drive brings an end to a decade of extra resources for early intervention, including Sure Start.

The Guardian

To change the terms of its debt, Dubai needed its creditors to agree, more or less in unison, to reschedule the payments, a thorny task made all the more difficult given the current fear in global banking and the deep reluctance of banks to make concessions.

The New York Times

Many Chicago teens will quickly discover that landing a job remains a thorny task.

Huffington Post

Getting broader congressional buy-in remains politically difficult, a thorny task of melding a rare bipartisan coalition from a divided Congress.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Volcker Rule presents a particularly thorny task.

The New York Times

That is a politically thorny task that could result in some lawmakers' losing power and others gaining it.

The New York Times

Large-scale global optimization (LSGO) is a very important but thorny task in optimization domain, which widely exists in management and engineering problems.

Applied Soft Computing

Jeremy Corbyn's first full day as Labour party leader began in unconventional style as he attended an event promoting an NHS mental health trust before starting work on the thorny task of appointing a shadow cabinet.

The Guardian

— Rare juror testimony on whether racial bias tainted a high-profile murder conviction ended here on Friday, leaving the judge alone with the thorny task of deciding whether a new trial is warranted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorny task", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature and source of the difficulty. Provide specific details to illustrate why the task is considered "thorny".

Common error

While effective, "a thorny task" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging endeavor" or "complex undertaking" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorny task" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular activity or undertaking. The adjective "thorny" modifies the noun "task", indicating that it is complex, difficult, and likely to present challenges. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorny task" is a grammatically sound and widely understood phrase used to describe a difficult or complex undertaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is valid and useful in a variety of writing scenarios. While not exceedingly common, as indicated by its 'Uncommon' frequency rating, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. When using this phrase, ensure that the surrounding context clarifies the specific challenges involved. Consider varying your wording by using alternatives such as ""a difficult undertaking"" or ""a challenging endeavor"" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking" and "thorny" with "difficult", focusing on the challenge involved.

a challenging endeavor

Substitutes both adjectives and noun with synonyms that emphasize the demanding nature of the activity.

a complex problem

Shifts the focus from a task to a "problem", highlighting the intricate nature of the situation.

a delicate matter

Implies the need for careful handling and sensitivity in addressing the situation.

a tough assignment

Replaces "task" with "assignment" and "thorny" with "tough", conveying the demanding nature.

an intricate challenge

Uses "intricate" to convey complexity and "challenge" to highlight the difficulty.

a demanding job

Focuses on the effort and resources required, framing it as a "job" that requires significant input.

a problematic situation

Highlights the potential for issues and complications arising from the matter.

a complicated process

Emphasizes the multi-step, potentially confusing nature of the activity.

a knotty issue

Uses "knotty" to suggest a tangled, difficult-to-resolve matter, similar to "thorny".

FAQs

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

You can use "a thorny task" to describe something difficult or complicated that needs to be done. For example, "Negotiating the contract proved to be "a thorny task" due to numerous disagreements".

What are some alternatives to saying "a thorny task"?

Some alternatives include "a difficult undertaking", "a challenging endeavor", or "a complex problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a thorny task" in formal writing?

Yes, "a thorny task" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a descriptive and professional way to characterize something difficult. It's also suitable for news and media contexts, as seen in examples from The New York Times and The Guardian.

What makes "a thorny task" different from "a difficult task"?

While both describe something challenging, "a thorny task" implies the presence of obstacles or complications that make it particularly troublesome. It suggests a situation with potential pitfalls or hard-to-resolve issues.