a tricky undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or project that is complicated or challenging to accomplish. Example: "Starting a new business can be a tricky undertaking, requiring careful planning and execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This could prove a tricky undertaking, full of pitfalls to the believer.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you're new to online dating, deciding which site to join can seem a tricky undertaking.

The Times

Fusion is a tricky undertaking for a band that is so readily identified with fashion-conscious indie rock.

The New York Times - Arts

The Government's recovery program, which depends upon the new loans that are to be received from foreign banks and international lending agencies, is regarded as a tricky undertaking.

The New York Times

A chance to shine but still a tricky undertaking.

Forbes

And on top of that, using this method of drug formulation helps achieve more precise dosing – a tricky undertaking when it comes to medical cannabis.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The restoration of the garden was a trickier undertaking.

The New York Times - Travel

Tracking exactly what people eat is a notoriously tricky undertaking, so the WHO team used an expansive definition.

Los Angeles Times

A: Tricky.

The New York Times - Sports

Those citizens finding themselves living in areas under a church different from their own could relocate, but transferal of property, especially ecclesiastical property, and proving ownership of such property, was a tricky and contested undertaking.

Harvard University

In spring, the river swells with the melt water of the surrounding mountains making the bridge crossing a tricky and wet undertaking.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky undertaking", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the undertaking difficult. Providing specific details about the challenges involved will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky undertaking" when describing tasks that are merely routine or slightly challenging. Reserve this phrase for situations involving genuine complexity or significant risk, to prevent diminishing its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "tricky" modifies the noun "undertaking". It describes a specific action or project that is difficult or complicated. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse scenarios, from political negotiations to medical procedures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tricky undertaking" effectively conveys that a task or project is challenging and requires careful handling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, primarily in news media, science, and formal business settings. While synonyms like "a challenging endeavor" or "a complex task" may offer slightly different nuances, "a tricky undertaking" remains a versatile and valid choice. Remember to provide context when using it to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging endeavor

Replaces "tricky" with "challenging" and "undertaking" with "endeavor", both synonyms that convey a similar level of difficulty. Slightly more formal.

a complex task

Substitutes "tricky" with "complex", highlighting the intricate nature of the task. "Undertaking" is replaced by "task", making it slightly less formal.

a difficult project

Uses "difficult" as a direct synonym for "tricky" and "project" instead of "undertaking", suggesting a more specific and defined activity.

a problematic venture

Emphasizes the potential issues or risks associated with the undertaking. "Venture" implies a degree of uncertainty and speculation.

a delicate operation

Highlights the need for careful handling and precision, suggesting that mistakes could have significant consequences.

a thorny issue

Focuses on the problematic nature of the matter, implying that it is fraught with complications and potential conflict.

a demanding assignment

Emphasizes the high level of effort and skill required to complete the undertaking successfully. "Assignment" suggests a specific task with clear expectations.

a precarious situation

Shifts the focus to the instability or riskiness of the context, rather than the difficulty of a specific task.

a sensitive matter

Implies that the undertaking requires tact and discretion, as it may involve confidential or emotionally charged information.

a Herculean effort

Exaggerates the difficulty of the undertaking, comparing it to the legendary labors of Hercules. This phrase emphasizes the extreme effort required.

FAQs

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

Use "a tricky undertaking" to describe a task that requires careful planning and execution due to its complex or challenging nature. For instance: "Negotiating the contract proved to be "a tricky undertaking" due to numerous legal clauses".

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

You can use alternatives like "a challenging endeavor", "a complex task", or "a difficult project" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a tricky undertaking" formal or informal?

"A tricky undertaking" sits in a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal synonyms like "a challenging endeavor" might be preferred in highly professional or academic writing.

What makes "a tricky undertaking" different from "a simple task"?

"A tricky undertaking" implies a level of complexity and potential difficulty that is absent in "a simple task". The former suggests potential pitfalls and the need for careful navigation, while the latter indicates ease and straightforwardness.