red tape

USAGE SUMMARY

"red tape" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to excessive bureaucracy that causes unnecessary delay in the completion of a process. For example, "John was extremely frustrated by all of the red tape he had to go through before he could start his new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The red tape.

The Economist

"No more red tape.

The New York Times

There was no red tape.

The Economist

Red tape is being cut.

The Economist

They're nothing but red tape.

The New York Times

Throat-constricting red tape is the reason.

The Economist

Private firms are strangled with red tape.

The Economist

Red tape is beginning to be cut.

The Economist

Red tape is tangled and ubiquitous.

The Economist

The World Bank measures red tape.

The Economist

And the government could cut red tape.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "red tape", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to bureaucratic delays and obstacles, especially in formal or business settings.

Common error

Avoid using "red tape" to describe simple inconveniences. It should refer specifically to systemic bureaucratic hurdles, not just any minor delay or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

"Red tape" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to bureaucratic processes that are considered excessively complicated and time-consuming. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "red tape" is a noun phrase widely used to describe cumbersome bureaucratic procedures that cause delays and frustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to ensure the context clearly refers to systemic bureaucratic hurdles rather than simple inconveniences. Alternatives like "bureaucratic obstacles" and "administrative burden" can be used for variety, but "red tape" remains a common and readily understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive bureaucracy

This alternative directly states that there is too much bureaucracy.

bureaucratic obstacles

This alternative focuses on the obstructive nature of the bureaucracy.

administrative burden

This emphasizes the weight and difficulty caused by administrative tasks.

paperwork overload

This directly addresses the excessive amount of documentation required.

onerous regulations

This highlights the burdensome aspect of the rules and regulations.

cumbersome procedures

This points to the awkward and inefficient nature of the processes involved.

regulatory impediments

This focuses on the barriers created by regulations.

governmental formalities

This highlights the official and often tedious aspects of government processes.

Byzantine procedures

This suggests complex, intricate, and often unnecessarily complicated processes.

officialdom

This is a more concise term referring to officials and their adherence to rules.

FAQs

How can I use "red tape" in a sentence?

"Red tape" is a noun phrase often used to describe unnecessarily complex or cumbersome official procedures. For example, "The project was delayed due to excessive "red tape"."

What are some synonyms for "red tape"?

Alternatives to "red tape" include "bureaucratic obstacles", "administrative burden", and "onerous regulations".

Is it appropriate to use "red tape" in formal writing?

Yes, "red tape" is widely understood and accepted in formal writing, particularly in business, political, and economic contexts, to describe bureaucratic inefficiencies.

What causes "red tape"?

"Red tape" typically arises from overly complex regulations, inefficient processes, and excessive documentation requirements within governmental or organizational systems.