tricky document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a document that is complicated, difficult to understand, or requires careful handling. Example: "The contract was a tricky document, filled with legal jargon that made it hard to interpret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm not quite sure what I believe, except that the Bible is a very tricky document.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What was on the table on Thursday night was not clear in all its details when it came to the implications for the single market, so it was genuinely a tricky document for Mr Cameron.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And of course it is always tricky documenting something that is by its nature anonymous.

Vice

Although some factors may be very tricky to document (e.g., trade-off strength or the mode of density-regulation), others, though not trivial, may be feasible to estimate (e.g., habitat frequencies, the existence of a strong dissymmetry in habitat productivities, sexual vs. asexual mating system, whether adaptation is likely to evolve through small or large mutation steps).

Evolutionary Applications

It can be tricky to accurately document life with a disorder such as autism.

The Guardian

It raises tricky issues, notably over travel documents, but holds out the promise of a gradual "softening" of the border, allowing Kashmiris to travel, mingle and trade.

The Economist

This is quite tricky in the case of confidential documents possessed by a business enterprise, i.e., shared between the collaborators or with trading partners.

Data Science and Engineering

For owners who want to use emails and "electronic delivery" methods for association-related documents, it can get tricky and risky.

Los Angeles Times

In fact, those various note-taking, link-saving and document-sharing apps can be tricky too, when I struggle to remember where specifically I saved something.

TechCrunch

We are all affected by the world around us right now, so why not document it?" But this can be tricky.

Independent

To be fair, documenting and labeling artwork is a tricky business that requires an expert staff and resources.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky document", consider the specific reason why the document is tricky. Is it complex, sensitive, or ambiguous? Clarifying the nature of the difficulty will make your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky document" as a vague descriptor. Instead, specify the problematic aspect, such as "a document with ambiguous wording" or "a document requiring careful legal review".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky document" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tricky" modifies the noun "document". This phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, denotes a document that presents difficulties or complexities in understanding or handling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky document" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a document that is complex, sensitive, or difficult to handle. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase appears in diverse contexts like news, science, and, less commonly, formal business settings. While not incorrect, it’s crucial to specify the nature of the "tricky" aspect for clarity and precision. Alternatives such as "complex document" or "challenging document" may be more appropriate in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex document

Focuses on the intricate nature of the document.

challenging document

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or working with the document.

problematic document

Highlights potential issues or difficulties associated with the document.

sensitive document

Indicates the document requires careful handling due to its confidential or delicate nature.

complicated paperwork

Specifically refers to documents that are complex and detailed.

intricate paperwork

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of the paperwork.

difficult legal text

Specifies that the document is legal and difficult to understand.

convoluted documentation

Implies the documentation is unnecessarily complex and hard to follow.

delicate matter

Focuses on the sensitivity and the need for careful handling of a certain issue.

thorny issue

Highlights a difficult and complex problem that is hard to resolve.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky document" to describe a document that is complex, sensitive, or requires careful interpretation. For example: "The contract was a tricky document, filled with legal jargon."

What are some alternatives to saying "tricky document"?

Alternatives include "complex document", "challenging document", or "sensitive document". The best choice depends on the specific reason why the document is "tricky".

Is "tricky document" a formal or informal expression?

"Tricky document" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. In highly formal or legal contexts, using more precise language like "complex legal text" might be preferable.

What makes a document "tricky"?

A document might be "tricky" due to ambiguous wording, complex legal clauses, sensitive information, or potential for misinterpretation. Identifying the specific reason will help you choose a more accurate and descriptive phrase.