a tricky line between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky line between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a difficult distinction or balance between two concepts, ideas, or choices. Example: "There is often a tricky line between being assertive and being aggressive in communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

When building infrastructure, governments walk a tricky line between counterproductive tight-fistedness and unnecessary gold-plating.

The Economist

The move comes as Starbucks toes a tricky line between remaining a premium brand while retaining price-sensitive customers who can buy cheaper coffee at other shops.

The New York Times

"Fox & Friends," which walks a tricky line between news, entertainment and commentary, has been a source of ridicule by the network's liberal critics.

The New York Times

It's a much better outcome than has just been achieved by the same distributor with Jeff Nichols's Midnight Special – a film walking a tricky line between US indie and genre hybrid, with kidnap, chase thriller and sci-fi elements.

The Guardian - Film

Best known as one of Rambert's signature pieces, it treads a tricky line between Bruce's exacting choreography and the rock'n'roll abandon of the Stones, but Acosta brings added swagger and relish to the stage.

The Guardian

Instead, the president will have to tread a tricky line between celebrating the end of the crisis and reading the riot act to those who are resisting even his limited attempts at reform.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

What he's presenting now is a documentary film based on the experience, titled after his avatar's namesake, and never was there a trickier line between total dick behavior and true humanity.

Vice

It has always been a tricky line to tread: between the semi-religious privacy of the consulting room and Orbach's public role as ambassador for therapy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a tricky line to walk, between an embrace of retro appreciation and an attempt to offer innovation.

TechCrunch

Like "Kids," "White Girl" announces the arrival of a director of considerable verve, and its choice of style and subject toes a similarly tricky line between leering exploitation and unflinching portraiture.

Los Angeles Times

It's a tricky line to walk, and few succeed.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky line between", ensure the two concepts you are comparing are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This helps the reader understand the specific challenge or balance you are highlighting.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky line between" in contexts where the distinction is obvious or widely understood. This can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky line between" functions as a modifier, specifically describing the nature of the boundary or distinction between two often opposing concepts. It suggests that navigating this boundary requires caution and skill. Ludwig's examples illustrate this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tricky line between" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for denoting a delicate or challenging balance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often employed in contexts where careful navigation is essential. The expression appears most frequently in news and media sources, indicating its neutrality and broad applicability. To maximize clarity, explicitly define the concepts you are comparing and avoid overusing the phrase in obvious scenarios. Consider alternatives like "a delicate balance between" for a more formal tone if required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate balance between

Emphasizes the need for careful equilibrium.

a fine line between

Focuses on the subtlety and potential overlap.

a precarious balance between

Highlights the instability and risk involved.

a narrow margin between

Stresses the limited space for error.

a sensitive boundary between

Highlights the potential for causing offense or harm.

a difficult distinction between

Emphasizes the challenges in differentiating.

a subtle difference between

Focuses on the nuances that separate two things.

a gray area between

Highlights the lack of clear definition.

a blurred boundary between

Emphasizes the indistinctness of the separation.

navigating the complexities of

Shifts focus from a 'line' to the difficulties of maneuvering a complex situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a tricky line between" in a sentence?

Use "a tricky line between" to show a difficult balance or distinction. For example, "The company walked "a tricky line between" innovation and tradition".

What's another way to say "a tricky line between"?

Alternatives include "a delicate balance between", "a fine line between", or "a difficult distinction between".

Is it always appropriate to use "a tricky line between" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, consider the tone. In highly formal contexts, "a difficult distinction between" might sound more professional than ""a tricky line between"".

What makes the "line" "tricky"?

The "line" is "tricky" when the difference or balance requires careful navigation due to potential negative consequences if misjudged.