tricky tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky tasks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe tasks that are difficult, complicated, or require careful thought and skill to complete. Example: "The project involves several tricky tasks that will challenge even the most experienced team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Were you called on to give training or to perform particularly tricky tasks?

The Guardian

Since the French and Dutch rejections, it has managed such tricky tasks as agreeing a seven-year budget and adopting new strategies for energy and the environment.

The Economist

Salter takes her through two tricky tasks here: her own evaluation of a Boston anesthesiologist accused of flagrant sexual offenses, and a colleague's incest case that turns ugly and dangerous.

The New York Times - Books

The engine on the X-51, called a supersonic-combustion ramjet, or "scramjet," pulls off a couple of especially tricky tasks.

Forbes

"Honestly, it is actually better for workers having computerised bosses," says Daniel Barowy, who created Automan, software to delegate tricky tasks to human workers via platforms such as Mechanical Turk.

BBC

Psychologists often carve thinking into two broad categories: intuitive thinking, which is fast and effortless (instantly knowing whether someone is angry or sad from the look on her face, for example); and analytic thinking, which is slower and more deliberate (and used for solving math problems and other tricky tasks).

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was a tricky task.

The New York Times

It's a tricky task.

The New York Times

A tricky task, he admits.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alignment is a tricky task.

The Guardian

This inspection process seemed a tricky task.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize the use of "tricky tasks" when you want to emphasize that the tasks involved require cleverness, skill or attention to detail rather than just effort.

Common error

While "tricky tasks" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms such as "complex endeavors" or "challenging undertakings" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky tasks" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tricky" modifies the noun "tasks". It describes assignments or activities characterized by a degree of difficulty or requiring careful handling, as showcased by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky tasks" is a versatile phrase used to describe assignments that demand skill and attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While common across various contexts, including news, business, and science, writers should consider the formality of their audience when choosing synonyms. For formal contexts, alternatives like "complex projects" or "challenging assignments" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "tricky tasks" when you want to emphasize skill or attention to detail. Steer clear of overusing it in overly formal contexts and make sure to adapt to the context using the alternatives available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging assignments

Replaces "tricky" with "challenging" to emphasize the demanding nature of the tasks.

difficult undertakings

Substitutes "tasks" with "undertakings" to suggest a more formal and significant effort.

intricate assignments

Similar to "complex projects" but with a slightly different nuance in formality.

complex projects

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the tasks by using "complex projects".

demanding activities

Highlights the effort and resources required to complete the tasks.

delicate operations

Replaces both words to highlight the need for careful handling and precision.

complicated procedures

Focuses on the intricacy and multi-step nature of the tasks involved.

thorny problems

Emphasizes the problematic and potentially contentious nature of the tasks.

sensitive matters

Shifts the focus to the importance of discretion and tact in handling the tasks.

precarious endeavors

Indicates that the tasks involve a significant degree of risk or uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky tasks" to describe assignments that require skill or careful handling. For example, "The project involves several "tricky tasks" that will test the team's problem-solving abilities."

What are some synonyms for "tricky tasks"?

Alternatives to "tricky tasks" include "challenging assignments", "complex projects", or "difficult undertakings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tricky tasks" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tricky tasks" may sound slightly informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "complex endeavors" or "challenging undertakings" in academic or professional contexts.

What makes a task "tricky"?

A task is considered "tricky" when it requires careful thought, skill, or a clever approach to overcome potential difficulties or obstacles. It implies that the task is not straightforward and may involve unexpected challenges.