delicate labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate labor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe work that requires careful handling, precision, or sensitivity, often in contexts like art, craftsmanship, or intricate tasks. Example: "The artist engaged in delicate labor, meticulously painting each tiny detail of the canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If he stays in the job, Mr. Tilton will undoubtedly need that good will not only for delicate labor talks, but also for negotiations in Washington.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I caught up with him on the phone after the meeting, and he said the case shows "how delicate the labor market is," because thanks to Susanna, "one of the largest retail empires in the world is shaking in its boots".

Vice

Just as delicate and labor-intensive are the dandelion puffs glued, seed by seed, to LED lights (by the team of Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta).

The New York Times - Arts

But Democrats in the group think that trying to modify the already delicate business-labor agreement could harm the overall bill.

The New York Times

CNTs have been demonstrated to stimulate neuronal differentiation [6, 8]; however, CNTs are easily disintegrated without supporting matrices and require delicate handling and intensive labor.

Nanoscale Research Letters

"There isn't much choice for the union, and that's why these talks are so delicate," said Gary Chaison, a professor of labor relations at Clark University in Worcester, Mass.

The New York Times

Achieving both types of flexibility while protecting workers and maintaining incentives for workers and firms to invest in existing relations, is not that simple, and the design of labor market institutions faces delicate trade-offs.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

For a time, manual labor was the only labor delicate enough to give hope.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sure, if you want delicate, nuanced shadings of flavor, then the labor-intensive creations of classic European cuisines are probably for you.

The New York Times - Food

A middle-aged, working-class woman cleaning toilets at an industrial warehouse finds space within the interstices of her menial labor to grieve over the most delicate losses and melancholy ripples of ordinary love.

The New York Times - Books

Yet in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, any change in national contracts involves complex negotiations among governments, labor unions and businesses -- a delicate dance in which each faction fights furiously for its interests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the phrase when the work being done is not only physically demanding but also requires careful consideration to prevent damage or errors.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate labor" to describe tasks that are merely difficult or strenuous without also requiring a high degree of precision or care. Using the phrase in such contexts can sound pretentious or inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate labor" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "delicate" modifies the noun "labor". It describes a type of work characterized by its demanding nature, requiring careful handling and precision. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears in contexts where the sensitivity of the task is emphasized.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate labor" refers to work requiring precision, care, and sensitivity, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the nature of the work being described. While grammatically correct, the phrase is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the need for careful handling and precision, avoiding overuse in situations where the work is simply difficult. Consider alternatives like "precise work" or "meticulous craftsmanship" for a more nuanced description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Precise work

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness required in the work, shifting from sensitivity to accuracy.

Meticulous craftsmanship

Highlights the care and attention to detail involved, particularly in skilled manual work.

Intricate task

Emphasizes the complexity and detailed nature of the work.

Sensitive handling

Highlights the need for careful and tactful management or manipulation.

Fine workmanship

Emphasizes the high quality and skill involved in the work.

Careful execution

Focuses on the deliberate and attentive way in which the work is performed.

Painstaking effort

Highlights the diligence and thoroughness applied to the task.

Exacting process

Emphasizes the rigorous and demanding nature of the work process.

Artisanal crafting

Specifically refers to handcrafted work, often of high quality and unique design.

Detailed operation

Focuses on the comprehensive and thorough nature of the procedure or work.

FAQs

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

You can use "delicate labor" to describe tasks that require precision and care. For example: "Restoring the antique clock required "delicate labor" to avoid damaging the fragile components."

What are some alternatives to "delicate labor"?

Alternatives include "precise work", "meticulous craftsmanship", or "sensitive handling", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "delicate labor" a formal or informal phrase?

"Delicate labor" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional or news contexts. More informal settings might call for simpler terms like "careful work".

What kind of work is best described as "delicate labor"?

Work that involves fragile materials, requires high precision, or demands a gentle touch is best described as "delicate labor". Examples include restoring artwork, performing intricate surgery, or assembling sensitive electronics.