delicate affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is sensitive, complicated, or requires careful handling. Example: "The negotiations between the two countries turned out to be a delicate affair, requiring skilled diplomacy to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Ice removal is a delicate affair.

The New York Times

Handling a riot is a delicate affair for prison officials.

The New York Times

Disarming them afterwards, when they can threaten to lash out, is a far more delicate affair.

The Economist

ASKING another corporation for its hand in marriage is always a delicate affair.

The New York Times

Beyond the shadow chancellorship, the construction of a Corbyn cabinet would be a delicate affair.

The Guardian

But closing hospitals can be a politically delicate affair that can arouse neighborhood opposition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But Greece today looks less like a Western European democracy and more like a company in the midst of restructuring, with outside financiers and lawyers advising it on delicate affairs of state.

The New York Times

They are not beating the odds when President Trump undermines his Secretary of State's diplomatic efforts to address the conflict associated with North Korea's nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles, all the while using Twitter to communicate delicate affairs of state.

HuffPost

The fallout from the Iran-contra affair was not the only delicate matter facing the agency.

The New York Times

Their delicate love affair is almost derailed by their crippling shyness, emotional inarticulacy and burdensome parental expectations.

The Guardian

They are not averse to advanced metrics — John Hollinger, a noted basketball statistician, is vice-president of basketball operations — but the Memphis offense is not a delicate, filigreed affair.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "delicate affair" when describing a situation that requires careful handling due to its sensitivity or complexity. Ensure the context makes it clear why the situation is delicate.

Common error

While "delicate affair" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "sensitive issue" or "tricky situation" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate affair" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object, describing a situation, matter, or process. It often follows verbs like 'is', 'was', or 'can be'. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delicate affair" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a situation requiring careful handling due to its sensitivity or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is most frequently used in news and media, with applications extending to encyclopedias, science, and wiki contexts. While "delicate affair" is suitable for formal writing, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternative phrases like "sensitive matter" or "tricky situation" may be more appropriate in casual conversations. It's crucial to ensure the context clearly indicates why a situation qualifies as a "delicate affair".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive matter

Focuses on the sensitivity aspect, omitting the implication of complexity.

tricky situation

Highlights the difficulty and potential for problems.

precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and risk involved.

sensitive issue

Similar to sensitive matter, but applicable to broader topics.

challenging endeavor

Focuses on the effort and difficulty required.

complicated matter

Highlights the complexity without necessarily implying sensitivity.

touchy subject

Emphasizes the potential for causing offense or disagreement.

complex situation

Similar to complicated matter, but specifically referring to a situation.

sensitive negotiation

More specific, referring to negotiations that require careful handling.

fraught process

Suggests a process filled with difficulties and potential problems.

FAQs

How can I use "delicate affair" in a sentence?

Use "delicate affair" to describe a situation needing careful handling. For example, "Negotiating the treaty was a "delicate affair" requiring diplomacy".

What can I say instead of "delicate affair"?

You can use alternatives like "sensitive matter", "tricky situation", or "complicated matter" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "delicate affair" in formal writing?

Yes, "delicate affair" is suitable for formal writing when describing sensitive or complex situations that require careful management or diplomacy.

What makes something a "delicate affair"?

A situation is a "delicate affair" when it involves sensitive issues, requires careful handling to avoid negative outcomes, and may be complicated or easily disrupted.