is a tricky task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a tricky task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task that is difficult or complicated to accomplish. Example: "Completing the project on time is a tricky task, given the limited resources we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Alignment is a tricky task.

The Guardian

Goldsworthy admits that pinning Augustus down is a tricky task.

Independent

Writing about your employer's new building is a tricky task.

The New York Times - Arts

Setting pay is a tricky task for trustees and senior managers.

The Guardian

For a start, defining "environmental sustainability" is a tricky task, on which the rest of the exercise hangs.

The Economist

It is a tricky task because authenticity is like modesty: It loses its charm if talked about too much.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Keeping customers who like Rockports for those features while attracting shoppers who buy footwear on looks is a trickier task than Sarah Jessica Parker faces when walking in high heels on "Sex and the City".

The New York Times

It was a tricky task.

The New York Times

It's a tricky task.

The New York Times

Table assignments are a tricky task at this event.

The New York Times

CHOOSING a new surgeon-general, America's top medical official, can be a tricky task for a president.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a tricky task", ensure the context clearly explains why the task is tricky. Be specific about the challenges involved to provide clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is a tricky task" without explaining why. This can leave the reader wondering about the specific difficulties. Always follow up with details about the complexities or challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a tricky task" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It typically follows a subject and a linking verb (usually "is") to describe the nature of a task. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a tricky task" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a task that involves complexities or challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While it’s considered neutral in register, it's essential to provide sufficient context to explain why a task is tricky. Alternatives like "is a challenging task" or "is a complex undertaking" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and provide specific details to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a challenging endeavor

Replaces "task" with "endeavor" and "tricky" with "challenging", emphasizing the effort required.

is a complex undertaking

Substitutes "task" with "undertaking" and "tricky" with "complex", highlighting the intricate nature of the task.

is a demanding job

Replaces "task" with "job" and "tricky" with "demanding", focusing on the effort and skill required.

is not a walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the difficulty, indicating it's not easy.

is easier said than done

Highlights the discrepancy between planning and execution, suggesting the task is more difficult in practice.

presents a significant hurdle

Emphasizes the obstacle aspect of the task, suggesting it's a barrier to overcome.

involves navigating several pitfalls

Focuses on the potential problems and risks involved in the task.

is fraught with difficulties

Highlights the abundance of challenges and problems associated with the task.

poses considerable difficulties

Similar to the previous phrase, but uses "poses" to indicate the task presents the difficulties.

is a matter of some delicacy

Shifts the focus to the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

FAQs

How can I use "is a tricky task" in a sentence?

You can use "is a tricky task" to describe something that requires careful handling or presents significant challenges. For example, "Negotiating this contract is a tricky task, given the differing interests of the parties involved."

What can I say instead of "is a tricky task"?

Alternatives include "is a challenging task", "is a complex undertaking", or "is easier said than done", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is a tricky task" or "is a difficult task"?

Both "is a tricky task" and "is a difficult task" are correct. "Tricky" implies a need for careful handling and cleverness, while "difficult" simply indicates a high degree of effort or skill required.

What's the difference between "is a tricky task" and "is a delicate task"?

"Is a tricky task" suggests that the task requires cleverness or careful planning to overcome obstacles. "Is a delicate task", on the other hand, implies that the task requires sensitivity and careful handling to avoid causing damage or offense.