tricky process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "Navigating the legal system can be a tricky process for those unfamiliar with the laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this is a tricky process.

The Guardian

The tricky process accelerates as it moves ahead.

The New York Times - Science

Choosing a song for a candidate is a tricky process, strategists said.

The New York Times - Arts

And, like the ICE reforms, they will mean altering the constitution, a slow and tricky process.

The Economist

Their expectations will have to be managed downwards: a tricky process, as Greece is demonstrating.

The Economist

The bringing together of industry and academia has always been a tricky process.

The Guardian

Selection on this tour has been a tricky process from the start and it remains so.

The Guardian - Sport

Panda reproduction is a notoriously tricky process, with females only ovulating once a year.

The Guardian

As always, delineating old history in feet and inches can be a tricky process.

The New York Times

Just as important, releasing these memos enables us to begin the tricky process of finally bringing these terrorists to justice.

The New York Times

Employers are trying to spread the word, a tricky process in places where the mention of government oversight can stir fear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky process", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the process difficult. Be specific about the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky process" without providing context. Instead of saying "The project was a tricky process", explain why it was tricky: "The project was a "tricky process", requiring careful coordination between multiple departments and adherence to strict deadlines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky process" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tricky" modifies "process". According to Ludwig, it's a common and usable English phrase. It describes a task or activity that requires careful handling and may be difficult to execute successfully.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tricky process" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe tasks or situations that demand careful navigation due to their inherent complexities. Appearing most often in news and media, but also common in scientific and business writing, it's considered appropriate for a wide audience. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide context that elucidates the specific challenges involved to avoid overgeneralization. Alternative phrases such as "challenging procedure" or "complex undertaking" can be used for variety, although they may carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging procedure

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the steps involved.

complex undertaking

Highlights the multifaceted nature and scale of the task.

delicate operation

Implies a need for careful and sensitive handling.

complicated affair

Suggests a situation with many interconnected and potentially problematic elements.

demanding task

Focuses on the effort and skill required to complete the process.

precarious endeavor

Indicates a significant risk of failure or negative consequences.

difficult situation

Broader term referring to a challenging set of circumstances.

thorny issue

Suggests a problem that is difficult to resolve due to its complex and sensitive nature.

laborious activity

Highlights the extensive effort and time required.

convoluted method

Emphasizes the complexity and indirectness of the approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky process" to describe any undertaking that is difficult or complex. For example: "Navigating the legal system can be a "tricky process" for those unfamiliar with the laws."

What can I say instead of "tricky process"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging procedure", "complex undertaking", or "delicate operation" depending on the context.

What makes something a "tricky process"?

A "tricky process" usually involves multiple steps, potential pitfalls, and requires careful planning and execution. It may also involve dealing with uncertainties or conflicting interests.

Is "difficult process" the same as "tricky process"?

While similar, "difficult process" generally refers to something that requires effort, while "tricky process" implies that careful maneuvering and skill are needed to avoid problems or achieve the desired outcome.