tricky work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or job that is complicated or requires skill to complete successfully. Example: "The project involved some tricky work, but we managed to finish it ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It is tricky work.

The New York Times - Arts

"In the beginning it was very tricky work.

Independent

Still, it's an admirable undertaking, tackling such a tricky work.

The New York Times

Pairing paralympians with guides can be tricky work.

The New York Times

It's the tricky work of word wizards, and Laura Kasischke is composed in that company.

The New York Times - Books

Support for the tricky work of rehabilitating displaced and orphaned children, and reuniting them with living family members, is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

9.21am BST What Jess is wearing today Tricky working out what to wear today.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was quite tricky working out how they could get in those classic elements that make Bond Bond: he's a womaniser, he drinks and smokes heavily, he kills people and drives fast cars.

The Guardian - Books

On Friday evening, the Morgan is also showing two films that document the process of installing di Suvero's tricky works.

Huffington Post

His remarks on Wednesday were only the latest, though, to reveal a disconnect between his optimistic promises and the trickier work of enacting an agenda in a polarized capital now gripped by a financial crisis.

The New York Times

Galova said each of them now has a greater understanding of the other person's professional needs, making it easier to feel OK about late hours and other sometimes-tricky work situations that couples in different careers might face.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky work", ensure the context clearly explains why the task is difficult. Is it due to complexity, sensitivity, or a lack of resources? Being specific enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky work" as a catch-all term for any difficult task. Instead, pinpoint the specific challenges, such as the need for precision, the complexity of the problem, or the sensitivity of the situation. This provides more informative and useful insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky work" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tricky" modifies the noun "work". It describes a task or endeavor that requires careful handling and skill, as evidenced by examples available on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky work" is a commonly used phrase that describes tasks or situations requiring careful attention and skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to provide specific details about the challenges involved, avoiding vague descriptions. Consider alternatives like "challenging endeavor" or "complex operation" for more formal settings. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, demonstrating its relevance in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the task.

difficult undertaking

Highlights the complexity and effort required.

complex operation

Focuses on the intricate nature of the process.

delicate task

Stresses the need for careful handling.

sensitive assignment

Indicates the importance of discretion and tact.

complicated job

Simple and straightforward synonym.

intricate process

Highlights the detailed and interwoven elements.

precarious activity

Implies potential risks or instability.

thorny issue

Focuses on the problematic nature of the task.

awkward situation

Suggests discomfort or difficulty in handling.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky work" to describe a task that requires skill, care, or a clever approach. For example, "Negotiating the contract proved to be "tricky work" due to the complex legal clauses".

What are some alternatives to "tricky work"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "challenging endeavor", "difficult undertaking", or "complex operation" to describe a difficult task.

Is "tricky work" formal or informal?

"Tricky work" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "complex operation" or "delicate task".

What makes something qualify as "tricky work"?

Something qualifies as "tricky work" when it requires more than just routine effort. It often involves problem-solving, precision, or navigating sensitive issues, demanding a strategic or inventive approach.