a tricky choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decision that is difficult or complicated to make due to various factors or consequences. Example: "Choosing between two job offers can be a tricky choice, especially when both have their own advantages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

They face a tricky choice.

The Economist

That gives Nick Clegg a tricky choice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike similar "ransomware" viruses, Cryptolocker makes good on its promise, leaving users with a tricky choice.

The Guardian - Tech

We wanted to try to help make a tricky choice a little easier.

The New York Times

Overwhelmed by these ruddy-cheeked riches, it can be a tricky choice.

The Guardian - Sport

He now faces a tricky choice – fleeing to London, as other tycoons have, or toughing things out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He makes a trickier choice: he shows patience and awareness of another actor, a subtle fanning of technique that builds dread -- and sympathy for his character.

The New York Times

For lawmakers in Albany, the request for a rehearing has effectively postponed having to make a politically tricky choice: spending state money to provide services for illegal immigrants or severing aid for pregnant mothers.

The New York Times

This time Rasputin and a Patagonian tooth fish are chewed over and spat out and the final question proves a very tricky choice.

BBC

Here, Cameron faces a tricky tactical choice.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was the tricky choice facing Shakira and her record company, Sony BMG, as they pondered how to follow the Colombian pop star's 2001 global chart-topping, 13m-selling album, "Laundry Service".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky choice", ensure the context clearly explains why the choice is difficult. Providing specific reasons or potential consequences adds clarity and impact.

Common error

While "tricky" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "complex", "challenging", or "difficult" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky choice" functions as a noun phrase that describes a decision that is difficult or complicated. It's often used to highlight the complexity and potential pitfalls involved in making the decision. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky choice" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a decision that presents complexities and challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, but writers should be mindful of the tone, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Remember that while similar to phrases like "a difficult decision", it emphasizes the potential for hidden problems. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively convey the challenges inherent in the described situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult decision

Focuses on the difficulty of the decision rather than the potential for deception or manipulation.

a challenging option

Highlights the challenging nature of the option, suggesting it requires significant effort or skill.

a complex decision

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted aspects of the decision.

a tough decision

Stresses the emotional difficulty and potential negative consequences of the decision.

a problematic selection

Suggests the selection presents potential issues or complications.

a delicate matter

Implies the situation requires careful handling and consideration.

a confounding factor

Highlights the element of confusion and uncertainty in the situation.

a vexing question

Emphasizes the frustrating or irritating nature of the question.

an intricate dilemma

Points to the complexity and challenging nature of the dilemma.

a perplexing situation

Highlights the confusing and difficult-to-understand nature of the situation.

FAQs

How to use "a tricky choice" in a sentence?

You can use "a tricky choice" to describe a situation where deciding between options is difficult. For example: "The company's leadership faces "a tricky choice" between expanding into new markets and consolidating their existing position."

What can I say instead of "a tricky choice"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult decision", "a challenging option", or "a complex decision" depending on the context.

Is "a tricky choice" formal or informal?

"A tricky choice" is generally considered neutral in tone. While suitable for many contexts, more formal situations might benefit from using alternatives like "a complex decision" or "a challenging option".

What makes "a tricky choice" different from "a difficult choice"?

While both describe challenging decisions, ""a tricky choice"" often implies that there are hidden complexities, potential pitfalls, or a need for careful navigation, whereas "a difficult choice" simply indicates that the decision is hard to make.