a tricky process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or situation that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "Learning a new language can be a tricky process, requiring patience and practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wikipedia

News & Media

The Guardian

The New York Times

The Economist

The New York Times - Arts

The New York Times - Science

The New York Times - Sport

The New York Times - Sports

The Guardian - Sport

The Guardian - Opinion

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Guardian - Arts

The Guardian - Technology

TechCrunch

Science Magazine

Huffington Post

British Journal for the History of Science

Vice

BBC

WikiHow

Forbes

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

As Petroglyph's audio director, he also selected sound effects—a tricky process due to the issue of making the criminal faction's sounds a "little different, without straying too much from the original signature sounds".

Wikipedia

But this is a tricky process.

The Guardian

Choosing a song for a candidate is a tricky process, strategists said.

The New York Times - Arts

Their expectations will have to be managed downwards: a tricky process, as Greece is demonstrating.

The Economist

The bringing together of industry and academia has always been a tricky process.

The Guardian

Selection on this tour has been a tricky process from the start and it remains so.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Now comes what could be a trickier process, deserving a raise.

The New York Times - Sports

Constructing tables in an HTML page, is a rather tricky process to understand.

WikiHow

Panda reproduction is a notoriously tricky process, with females only ovulating once a year.

The Guardian

"It will be a very tricky process, both for him and for the judges," said a judge who has served at the tribunal.

The New York Times

"It's a very tricky process to get these permits," said Nathaniel Rich, coach, outfielder and senior editor for The Paris Review, a team without a permit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky process", ensure the context clearly identifies what makes the process difficult or complex to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky process" repeatedly in close proximity. Opt for synonyms like "challenging procedure" or "complex undertaking" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky process" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes a process characterized by complexity or potential difficulties. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically correct phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky process" is a commonly used phrase to describe undertakings that are complex or require careful handling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's beneficial to consider more precise alternatives like "a challenging procedure" or "a delicate operation" to enhance clarity and formality when appropriate. Remember to be mindful of overuse and clearly define what makes the process tricky to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging procedure

Emphasizes the difficulty involved in a formal set of actions.

a complex undertaking

Highlights the complicated nature of the task.

a delicate operation

Suggests that the task requires care and precision to avoid failure.

a demanding task

Focuses on the high level of effort required.

a knotty problem

Implies the presence of intricate and confusing elements.

a thorny issue

Suggests that the matter is full of potential conflicts and difficulties.

a complicated matter

Indicates that the subject is intricate and not easily understood.

a sensitive endeavor

Highlights the need for tact and careful handling.

an arduous journey

Emphasizes the strenuous and prolonged nature of the process.

a convoluted affair

Suggests that the process is unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tricky process" to describe something that requires careful handling or is difficult to execute, such as "Negotiating a contract can be a tricky process." or "Software development is often a tricky process".

What's the difference between "a tricky process" and "a difficult process"?

While both phrases denote challenges, "a tricky process" often implies that the difficulty stems from the need for careful maneuvering or problem-solving, whereas "a difficult process" may simply indicate that the task requires significant effort or skill.

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

You can use alternatives like "a challenging task", "a complex matter", or "a delicate operation" depending on the specific context.

Is "a tricky process" formal or informal?

"A tricky process" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "a complex procedure" or "a demanding endeavor".