a tricky job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky job" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or job that is difficult, complicated, or requires careful handling. Example: "Completing the project on time was a tricky job, but we managed to pull it off with teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It's a tricky job.

The Economist

And it's a tricky job at that.

MIT Technology Review

On past form, that's a tricky job.

The Guardian

It is a tricky job without the truck".

The New York Times

It is a tricky job, with huge risks.

The New York Times - Sports

The Institute of Directors described the Statement as "a tricky job well done".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Dimon, who has won plaudits for steering his firm relatively successfully through the credit crunch, warned his audience that they faced tough prospects on a tricky jobs market.

The Guardian - Business

Staying on campus was a trickier job, so they called a professional.

The Guardian - Arts

That's because it, too, has a trickier job than it used to.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, posing with newly elected Republican senators, will have a trickier job leading his caucus in 2019.

HuffPost

In "Aquarius," David Duchovny plays a cop who isn't afraid to use violence to get the job done -- a tricky line to walk in a time when police brutality has become such a controversial topic.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky job", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the job difficult – is it the complexity, the risk, or the required precision? Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky job" as a generic placeholder for difficulty. Instead of saying 'Solving this problem is a tricky job', specify the challenges: 'Solving this problem is a tricky job because it requires balancing conflicting priorities and navigating complex regulations'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky job" functions as a noun phrase where "tricky" is an adjective modifying the noun "job". It typically serves to characterize a task as requiring careful handling due to its complexity or potential difficulties, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky job" is a commonly used phrase to describe a task or situation that requires careful handling due to its complexity or potential difficulties. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While alternatives like ""a challenging task"" or ""a difficult undertaking"" exist, "a tricky job" is a straightforward and easily understood way to convey the need for skill and caution. The key is to provide enough context so that it's not a vague term. Its frequent usage in news and media highlights its relevance in describing real-world challenges and situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging task

Replaces 'job' with 'task', emphasizing the demanding nature of the work.

a difficult undertaking

Substitutes 'tricky' and 'job' with more formal terms, highlighting the effort involved.

a complex assignment

Focuses on the intricate nature of the job, suggesting multiple layers or elements.

a delicate operation

Implies a need for precision and care to avoid negative consequences.

a demanding position

Shifts the focus to the role itself being difficult to manage or fulfill.

a precarious situation

Highlights the instability or risk associated with the job.

a thorny issue

Emphasizes the problematic or controversial aspects of the job.

a taxing endeavor

Stresses the effort and resources required to complete the job.

a Herculean effort

Suggests the job requires immense strength and determination.

a tough call

Indicates a difficult decision or judgment needs to be made as part of the job.

FAQs

How can I use "a tricky job" in a sentence?

You can use "a tricky job" to describe a task that requires careful handling or skill. For example: "Negotiating the contract was "a tricky job", requiring diplomacy and attention to detail."

What are some alternatives to saying "a tricky job"?

Alternatives include "a challenging task", "a difficult undertaking", or "a complex assignment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "tricky job" or "difficult job"?

Both "tricky job" and "difficult job" are acceptable. "Tricky" often implies a need for finesse or cleverness, while "difficult" simply suggests a high level of effort or skill is required.

What makes a job "tricky" as opposed to simply "hard"?

A "tricky" job often involves navigating complexities, avoiding hidden pitfalls, or requiring a delicate touch. A "hard" job, on the other hand, may primarily demand physical or mental endurance without necessarily involving intricate problem-solving.