tricky choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decision that is difficult to make due to various factors or complexities involved. Example: "Choosing between the two job offers was a tricky choice, as both had their own advantages and disadvantages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

They face a tricky choice.

The Economist

That gives Nick Clegg a tricky choice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike similar "ransomware" viruses, Cryptolocker makes good on its promise, leaving users with a tricky choice.

The Guardian - Tech

We wanted to try to help make a tricky choice a little easier.

The New York Times

Overwhelmed by these ruddy-cheeked riches, it can be a tricky choice.

The Guardian - Sport

He now faces a tricky choice – fleeing to London, as other tycoons have, or toughing things out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The really tricky choices lie in the acting awards.

The Guardian

As the Independent points out, the list is often controversial: "The magazine used to pick baddies (Stalin and Hitler among them) but after a US backlash in 1979, when Ayatollah Khomeini was named, it has been accused of bottling tricky choices".

The Guardian - Opinion

This is forcing the EU to confront some extremely tricky choices about the future role of nuclear power choices that are now also being explored, if less visibly, further afield, including in America.The new EU members mostly used nuclear technology of Soviet design which, with Chernobyl in mind, greatly worried existing EU members.

The Economist

Tricky choices as Euro 2016 approaches for Radio Times, which has gone for four different covers for its current issue: Come on England!, Come on Wales! and Come on Northern Ireland!, and a neutral one with a lot of footballs for those supporting none of the above.

The Guardian

Injuries have saved Pep Guardiola from a lot of tricky choices this season.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "tricky choice" with more specific alternatives like "difficult decision" or "challenging selection" if they better reflect the core issue.

Common error

While "tricky choice" is acceptable, in formal writing, it can sometimes sound less professional. Opt for alternatives like "complex decision" or "challenging selection" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky choice" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tricky" modifies the noun "choice". It's used to describe a decision that is not straightforward and involves potential difficulties or complications. As evidenced by Ludwig, the expression is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky choice" is a commonly used phrase to describe a difficult decision that involves complexities and potential pitfalls. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be found in a variety of sources, particularly news and media. While it's generally suitable for most contexts, more formal settings might benefit from using alternatives like "complex decision" or "challenging selection". When using "tricky choice", ensure the context makes the difficulties clear to the reader. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase or a more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult decision

Focuses on the difficulty of the decision itself rather than the elements that make it tricky.

challenging selection

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of choosing from multiple options.

complex dilemma

Highlights the intricate and often conflicting nature of the situation.

problematic option

Suggests that the available options have inherent issues or potential negative consequences.

delicate matter

Implies a need for careful handling due to potential sensitivity or risk.

awkward predicament

Stresses the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the situation.

sensitive decision

Emphasizes that the choice requires careful consideration due to its potential impact on others.

complicated situation

Highlights the intricacy and entanglement of factors involved in the decision.

thorny issue

Suggests the choice involves prickly or contentious elements.

vexing question

Implies that the choice is frustrating and difficult to resolve.

FAQs

How can I use "tricky choice" in a sentence?

Use "tricky choice" to describe a decision where the options are not straightforward and involve potential difficulties or negative consequences. For example, "Choosing between two job offers was a "tricky choice" because both had advantages and disadvantages".

What can I say instead of "tricky choice"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult decision", "challenging selection", or "complex dilemma" depending on the context.

Is "tricky choice" formal or informal?

"Tricky choice" is generally considered neutral, suitable for most contexts. However, in highly formal or professional settings, consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "complex decision" or "delicate matter".

What makes a choice "tricky"?

A choice is "tricky" when it involves multiple conflicting factors, potential risks, or difficult-to-predict outcomes, making the decision-making process complicated and requiring careful consideration.