delicate work

USAGE SUMMARY

"delicate work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that requires a lot of care and attention to detail. For example, "In my line of work, I have to do a lot of delicate work, such as repairing intricate electronics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is delicate work.

The New York Times

It is delicate work.

The New York Times

But it can be delicate work.

The New York Times

Editing dreams is delicate work.

The New York Times - Arts

Already Mr. Furey's delicate work is deteriorating.

The New York Times

Far more delicate work lies ahead.

The New York Times

The women do the "more delicate work".

The New York Times

Volunteers will assist with the more delicate work that follows.

The Guardian

Convincing people to speak is gentle, delicate work.

The New Yorker

Doctors who do the most delicate work need small scopes and good pictures.

MIT Technology Review

That can complicate all of the delicate work the scouts have done.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, choose "delicate work" to emphasize the sophisticated and refined nature of a procedure or task.

Common error

While "delicate work" is widely applicable, avoid using it in overly casual settings where simpler terms like "tricky job" or "careful task" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate work" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "delicate" modifies the noun "work". Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes tasks needing precision. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes activities requiring careful and skillful execution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate work" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase employed to describe tasks demanding precision, care, and skill. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting numerous examples across diverse sources, including news, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal registers, emphasizing the need for caution and expertise. Alternative phrases such as "precise task" or "meticulous effort" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in overly casual situations, ensuring your language remains contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous effort

Stresses the attention to detail and thoroughness required.

sensitive operation

Highlights the need for careful handling due to the susceptibility to damage or error.

careful undertaking

Emphasizes caution and thoughtfulness in approaching the task.

intricate procedure

Focuses on the complexity and the multiple steps involved.

exacting job

Highlights the strict standards and high demands of the work.

precise task

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness required in the work.

painstaking labor

Emphasizes the diligence and patience required, often involving tedious tasks.

fine craftsmanship

Highlights the skill and artistry involved in the work, suggesting a high level of detail.

skillful execution

Highlights the expertise and proficiency needed to complete the work successfully.

refined process

Focuses on the elegance and sophistication of the method used.

FAQs

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

You can use "delicate work" to describe tasks requiring precision and care, such as, "The restoration of the antique painting required extremely /s/delicate+work." or "Disarming the bomb was /s/delicate+work.".

What are some alternatives to "delicate work"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "precise task", "sensitive operation", or "meticulous effort".

Is "delicate work" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "delicate work" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing tasks that require a high degree of skill and care. It conveys a sense of sophistication and refinement.

What kind of jobs usually involve "delicate work"?

Jobs that typically involve "delicate work" include surgery, bomb disposal, antique restoration, and any task requiring careful manipulation of fragile or sensitive materials.