a tricky matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "Negotiating the terms of the contract proved to be a tricky matter, requiring careful consideration from both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But accommodating religious rules is a tricky matter.

The Economist

Figuring out that relationship is a tricky matter.

The New York Times - Arts

Influence is a tricky matter, even when artists admit to it.

The New York Times - Arts

For General Musharraf, deciding what actions to take against Lashkar will be a tricky matter.

The New York Times

For writers, to blurb or not to blurb can be a tricky matter.

The New York Times - Books

That is a tricky matter because of Germans' antipathy toward anything singling out their country for special, punitive treatment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Analysts say it involves much more than plugging in a computer and giving out reservation numbers by telephone; it also involves tampering with the psychology of the airline traveler--a tricky matter for any carrier.

Los Angeles Times

Well, that's a trickier matter altogether.

The Guardian

The identity of the sailor has been a trickier matter.

The New York Times

But lending to other people's governments has always been a trickier matter.

The Economist

Colors are a trickier matter, especially for households with multiple children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky matter", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the matter tricky. Provide specific details or examples to clarify the complexity or potential difficulties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky matter" as a vague placeholder. If you label something as such, explain why it's tricky. Lack of elaboration weakens your argument and leaves the reader guessing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky matter" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it describes a situation, issue, or problem that requires careful handling or is difficult to resolve.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky matter" is a commonly used phrase to describe situations or issues that are complex, delicate, or require careful handling. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media, as well as science and business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify what makes the matter tricky to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate situation

Replaces 'matter' with 'situation', emphasizing the sensitivity of the issue.

a complex issue

Substitutes 'tricky' with 'complex' and 'matter' with 'issue', highlighting the intricate nature of the subject.

a challenging problem

Replaces 'tricky' with 'challenging' and 'matter' with 'problem', focusing on the difficulty in resolving it.

a complicated affair

Uses 'complicated' instead of 'tricky' and 'affair' instead of 'matter', suggesting a more involved and potentially messy situation.

a thorny issue

Employs 'thorny' to convey the problematic and potentially painful aspect of the issue.

a sensitive subject

Replaces 'tricky' with 'sensitive' and 'matter' with 'subject', stressing the need for careful consideration and tact.

a touchy subject

Similar to 'sensitive subject', emphasizing the potential for causing offense or discomfort.

a precarious situation

Shifts the focus to the instability or risk associated with the 'matter'.

a demanding task

Replaces 'matter' with 'task', highlighting the effort and skill required.

an uphill battle

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the difficulty and resistance involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tricky matter" to describe a situation that is complicated or difficult to deal with. For example, "Negotiating the terms of the contract proved to be "a tricky matter", requiring careful consideration from both parties."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a delicate situation", "a complex issue", or "a challenging problem" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a tricky matter" in formal writing?

While "a tricky matter" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "a complex issue" or "a complicated affair" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What makes "a tricky matter" different from "a difficult matter"?

While both phrases indicate difficulty, "a tricky matter" often implies a need for careful maneuvering or strategy, suggesting the situation requires more finesse than just effort, which is what "a difficult matter" suggests.