a rather tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, problem, or task that is somewhat difficult or complicated. Example: "The puzzle was a rather tricky challenge that took us hours to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Something to do with a rather tricky backwards presentation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The electorate has dealt us a rather tricky hand," he said.

The Guardian

I'm meeting Cai (pronounced Tsye) and Murdoch in the hotel, which creates a rather tricky interview dynamic.

The Guardian - Film

Of course, for a postcolonial intellectual, even one heralded as the father of modern African literature, the middle can be a rather tricky space to navigate.

The New York Times - Books

It's a rather tricky customer base to satisfy.

Forbes

Keeping a record on Philippines' President's position on South China Sea disputes is a rather tricky task.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

M Train is a rather trickier proposition.

The Guardian - Music

The fact that Trump owns a string of golf courses and hotels in Scotland might also make a ban rather tricky to implement.

Vice

Mechanics: Unlike NASCAR vehicles, or racing bikes, airplanes tend to have very long wingspans, which could make landing on a banked runway rather tricky.

Forbes

In the late 1970s it was rather tricky for a new writer to get a book published, especially on what was seen as an academic subject.

The Guardian - Books

Our correspondent added: "Tolling can take account of where and when a driver is using certain roads, but road tolls are a very visible charge and likely to prove rather tricky to sell to a largely sceptical electorate".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rather tricky" to introduce a problem or situation that requires careful consideration and skillful handling.

Common error

Avoid using "a rather tricky" when the situation is only slightly challenging. Choose more appropriate adjectives like "slightly complicated" or "somewhat involved" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather tricky" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, adding detail to a noun. Ludwig shows it is often used to describe situations or tasks that require careful handling or are moderately difficult, consistent with its common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rather tricky" is a useful phrase to describe something moderately difficult or complex. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, be mindful of not overstating the difficulty and consider synonyms like "a somewhat difficult" or "a fairly challenging" depending on the situation. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively convey the intended level of challenge while maintaining clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a somewhat difficult

Replaces "rather tricky" with a more straightforward description of difficulty.

a fairly challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

a notably complex

Focuses on the intricate aspects of the matter.

a particularly delicate

Highlights the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

a surprisingly intricate

Adds an element of unexpected complexity.

a genuinely perplexing

Conveys a sense of bewilderment and confusion.

a decidedly knotty

Uses a more figurative term to describe a difficult problem.

a substantially involved

Emphasizes the high degree of engagement and effort required.

a seriously problematic

Highlights the issues and obstacles involved.

a quite thorny

Suggests a situation fraught with challenges and potential pitfalls.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rather tricky" to describe something that is somewhat difficult or complicated. For example: "Negotiating the contract was "a rather tricky" process."

What can I say instead of "a rather tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "a somewhat difficult", "a fairly challenging", or "a notably complex" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a rather tricky" or "a very tricky"?

"A rather tricky" implies a moderate level of difficulty, while "a very tricky" suggests a higher level. The better choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "a rather tricky" and "a somewhat tricky"?

"A rather tricky" and "a somewhat tricky" are very similar in meaning, both indicating a moderate level of difficulty. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.