a tricky period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time that is difficult or challenging, often in a personal, professional, or historical context. Example: "Navigating the changes in the company during the merger was a tricky period for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But it is still a tricky period for software companies, notes Chris Kwak of Susquehanna.

The Economist

"I had a tricky period and that is a long way in the past.

The Guardian - Sport

Australia will be happy enough, I suppose, to have kept the bloodshed to just one wicket in a tricky period before the break.

The Guardian - Sport

The winger is just eight days younger than Tomkins and Farrell has been impressed by his form after a tricky period last season.

The Guardian - Sport

The Economist, an early cheerleader of the tech sector through its technology quarterly, believes that the world faces a tricky period of change as it adjusts to technology advances.

The Guardian - Tech

It comes after a tricky period for Goldman, which has fought off accusations that it had acted against clients and the comments by its chief executive that the firm did "God's work".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Bournemouth manager Considered one of the brightest managerial prospects in English football on the back of his success with Bournemouth, whom he has helped hoist from bottom tier to Premier League over two spells, enduring a trickier period at Burnley in between, and ensuring the Cherries' top-flight status last term was a fine achievement.

The Guardian - Sport

"We could have had a trickier period this evening with 10 or 11 overs to bat, but we tried to squeeze it in the middle.

BBC

A majority of leaders, including Germany's Angela Merkel, wanted "to put Brexit on ice for a year, allowing the bloc to get through a politically tricky period".

The Guardian

But sentiment over future prospects is at its lowest since early 2013, while softening new orders leave the economy facing a potentially tricky period, according to Markit's chief economist Chris Williamson, who said "cracks continue to appear in the country's resilience".

Independent

John Whittingdale at 54 has moved from chairing the Commons culture select committee during a long and tricky period to becoming culture secretary, the job he has long had to hold to account.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "a tricky period", be specific about the nature of the difficulties and the context in which they arise. This helps readers understand the complexities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky period" as a vague descriptor. Always elaborate on the specific challenges or complexities that make the time frame difficult, or find more precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky period" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a specific duration or phase characterized by challenges, complexities, or potential difficulties, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tricky period" is a versatile descriptor used to characterize a span of time marked by challenges, complexities, or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news, sports, and business contexts, it conveys the need for careful navigation and strategic planning. While alternatives like "a challenging phase" or "a difficult spell" exist, "a tricky period" uniquely emphasizes the complexity inherent in the situation. To use the phrase effectively, provide specific context regarding the nature of the challenges and avoid overuse without elaboration. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal and informal communications, offering a concise way to convey that the situation will require a high degree of thought to solve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging phase

Replaces "period" with "phase", suggesting a stage of development or transition that presents difficulties.

a difficult spell

Uses "spell" instead of "period", implying a shorter duration of difficulty.

a tough time

Substitutes "tricky" with "tough" and "period" with "time", conveying a more general sense of hardship.

a complex situation

Replaces the entire phrase with a description focusing on the intricate and complicated nature of the circumstances.

a problematic stage

Emphasizes the presence of problems or issues during a particular stage.

a delicate juncture

Highlights the need for careful handling during a critical point in time.

a precarious moment

Suggests a situation filled with uncertainty and potential danger.

an awkward phase

Implies a period marked by discomfort, unease, or lack of grace.

a sensitive juncture

Emphasizes the need for discretion and care due to potential emotional or political ramifications.

a testing chapter

Frames the period as a part of a larger narrative where resilience and endurance are challenged.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tricky period" to describe a time filled with challenges. For example, "The company faced "a tricky period" during the economic recession".

What are some alternatives to "a tricky period"?

Alternatives include "a challenging phase", "a difficult spell", or "a tough time", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a tricky period" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing complex situations in business, news, or academic contexts. However, always ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What distinguishes "a tricky period" from "a difficult time"?

"A tricky period" often implies a situation requiring careful maneuvering and problem-solving, while "a difficult time" generally refers to hardship or adversity. The former emphasizes complexity, while the latter emphasizes suffering or challenge.