a tricky path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or course of action that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "Choosing the right career can be a tricky path, filled with uncertainties and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He has a way out, but it's a tricky path.

The New York Times

Measuring the worth of culture using purely utilitarian arithmetic is a tricky path.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Rus noted that this can be a tricky path to tread.

The New York Times

But, with Beijing hostile and Washington skeptical, she faced a tricky path forward.

The New Yorker

In all honesty, I have walked a tricky path identifying within the LGBT community as I don't necessarily feel represented.

Independent

It is a tricky path to navigate, given the patchwork of state laws and varying grades of benefits they provide.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Of course, choosing an agent is tricky – and horribly important, as they represent your only path to an editor and a published life.

The Guardian - Books

Arsenal will be smarting from their humbling treatment at the hands of United and their 4-1 home defeat by Chelsea on Sunday which left them marooned in fourth place and facing a potentially tricky path into next season's Champions League.

Independent

And at a time when the business of football has become an increasingly tricky path to tread, Powell looks set to ensure that the Alex's academy continues to deliver on its investment.

BBC

(Nov. 16) 4. INQUIRY SET TRICKY PATH FOR A GOVERNOR As Pennsylvania's attorney general, Tom Corbett began an investigation in 2009 into allegations that a former Penn State assistant had abused boys, but when he ran for governor, and even after he took office, he was obligated to keep the investigation secret.

The New York Times

He's back on the tricky path he faced as a child, navigating between two racial cultures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky path", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it the difficulty, the potential for error, or the complexity of the situation? Choose synonyms or related phrases to better reflect this nuance.

Common error

While "a tricky path" is widely understood, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated language to describe the complexity or difficulty, such as "a convoluted process" or "a challenging endeavor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky path" functions as a noun phrase, with "tricky" modifying the noun "path". It describes a route, process, or situation characterized by difficulty and the potential for problems. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, as shown by its frequent use in news and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky path" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a situation or course of action that presents challenges and requires careful navigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media, conveying a sense of potential difficulty and the need for caution. While versatile, writers should consider the specific context and audience when selecting this phrase, opting for more formal alternatives like "a complex undertaking" or "a challenging endeavor" in academic or business settings. Understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging route

Replaces "tricky" with "challenging", emphasizing the difficulty.

a complicated course

Substitutes "path" with "course", focusing on the sequence of actions.

a difficult road

Replaces both words, emphasizing hardship and obstacle.

a delicate situation

Shifts focus to the sensitivity of the circumstances.

a precarious position

Emphasizes instability and potential danger.

a complex undertaking

Highlights the intricate nature of the task.

a convoluted process

Focuses on the confusing and intricate nature of the procedure.

a thorny issue

Metaphorically represents the problem as something painful to deal with.

a hazardous endeavor

Highlights the potential risks and dangers involved.

a problematic approach

Emphasizes the potential issues and difficulties of the chosen method.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tricky path" to describe a situation or course of action that is complicated or difficult to navigate, such as "Navigating the legal system can be "a tricky path" for immigrants".

What are some alternatives to "a tricky path"?

Alternatives include "a challenging route", "a complicated course", or "a difficult road", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tricky path" in formal writing?

While acceptable, in formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated language such as "a complex undertaking" or "a convoluted process" to convey the complexity more precisely.

What makes a path "tricky"?

A path is considered "tricky" if it involves hidden difficulties, unexpected obstacles, or requires careful navigation to avoid errors or negative consequences. The phrase implies that success is not guaranteed and requires skill or caution.