tricky endeavor

USAGE SUMMARY

"tricky endeavor" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a difficult or challenging task or activity. Example: "Embarking on a new business venture can be a tricky endeavor, but with careful planning and determination, success is achievable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Paddleboarding would seem a tricky endeavor under the best conditions.

The New York Times

Showing how a child absorbs violence without awareness that something is wrong is a tricky endeavor.

The New York Times - Books

In "Foolproof Illusion"(1986), she strains Antonin Artaud through feminism, a mad and tricky endeavor.

The New York Times - Arts

Mixing decorating styles for that special blend known as eclectic is a tricky endeavor.

The New York Times

Blurring the lines between editorial and advertising is a tricky endeavor, of course.

The New York Times

As noted above, comparing player stats across eras can be a tricky endeavor.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Soundproofing from scratch is one thing, developers say, but ripping out walls to re-insulate them is a much trickier endeavor.

The New York Times

Navigating professional and personal boundaries on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is a tricky, subjective endeavor.

Huffington Post

That's the tricky thing about any artistic endeavor, and maybe that's what Larimer really meant: once you start trying to produce for the marketplace, there can either be great exhilaration as you get into the zone and begin happily, breathlessly creating, or there can be a crash-and-burn as you realize there's no way to make the project fly in time for the deadline.

Huffington Post

Defending the cloning model, Samwer argued that entrepreneurship is a holistic endeavor — involving many more tricky pieces than just having a good idea.

TechCrunch

Of course it will be tricky putting out a new one every month, but that's clearly part of the fun of the endeavor".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tricky endeavor" when you want to emphasize both the difficulty and the effort involved in a task. It suggests that careful planning and skill are needed to succeed.

Common error

While "tricky endeavor" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging task" or "difficult undertaking" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tricky endeavor" is to act as a noun phrase where "tricky" modifies the noun "endeavor". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show it functioning as a subject complement or object in sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky endeavor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a challenging or complex undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and well-suited for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, remember to consider synonyms like "difficult undertaking" or "challenging task" to avoid repetition. The sources where this phrase appears are generally reputable, contributing to a high expert rating. This makes "tricky endeavor" a valuable addition to your vocabulary for describing situations requiring careful navigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult undertaking

Replaces "endeavor" with "undertaking", a synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

challenging task

Substitutes both "tricky" and "endeavor" with common synonyms, making it more direct.

complex undertaking

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the challenge rather than the potential for error.

complicated affair

Uses "affair" to suggest a situation with many interconnected parts, shifting the focus slightly.

precarious situation

Highlights the potential instability or risk involved.

delicate operation

Implies a need for careful handling and precision.

sensitive matter

Suggests the issue requires tact and diplomacy.

risky proposition

Focuses on the uncertainty and potential downsides.

thorny issue

Uses a metaphor to describe a problem that is difficult to resolve.

knotty problem

Similar to "thorny issue", using a different metaphor for a complex problem.

FAQs

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

"Tricky endeavor" is typically used to describe a task or situation that is complex and requires careful handling. For example, "Negotiating a peace treaty is often a "tricky endeavor"."

What are some alternatives to "tricky endeavor"?

Alternatives to "tricky endeavor" include "difficult task", "challenging undertaking", or "complex operation", depending on the specific context.

Is "tricky endeavor" a formal or informal expression?

While "tricky endeavor" is widely understood, it leans slightly towards the neutral or semi-formal side. In highly formal contexts, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "arduous undertaking" or "complex challenge".

What makes an endeavor "tricky"?

An endeavor is considered "tricky" when it involves hidden complexities, potential pitfalls, or requires a delicate approach to avoid failure. It suggests that success is not guaranteed and requires careful planning and execution.