a tricky question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is difficult to answer or may have a misleading or complex nature. Example: "During the interview, the candidate was asked a tricky question about their previous work experience that caught them off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a tricky question.

The Economist

Mulling over a tricky question?

Independent

That's a tricky question.

The New York Times

They will also face a tricky question.

The Economist

It was a tricky question.

The New York Times

"What's more important?" is a tricky question.

The New York Times - Sports

ALEX ROSS: Oof! That's a tricky question.

The New Yorker

It's a tricky question, Mr. Sorkin writes.

The New York Times

"What a tricky question," she snaps.

The Guardian - Film

It turned out to be a tricky question.

The New York Times - Science

"It's a bit of a tricky question," Mr. Seipel said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust your language accordingly. While "tricky" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "challenging" or "complex".

Common error

Avoid labeling a question as "a tricky question" without explaining why it is so. This can leave the audience feeling confused or condescended to. Always provide context or hints about the complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky question" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a particular type of question, one that requires careful consideration or may be difficult to answer directly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tricky question" is a common and acceptable way to describe a question that is not straightforward and requires careful thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. While alternatives like "a difficult question" or "a challenging question" may be more appropriate in formal contexts, "a tricky question" is suitable for most situations. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to ensure your audience understands the nature of the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult question

This alternative uses a more common and straightforward adjective, replacing "tricky" with "difficult".

a tough question

Similar to "difficult", this emphasizes the strength and effort needed to address the question.

a challenging question

This alternative suggests the question requires effort and skill to answer, emphasizing the challenge.

a complex question

This alternative highlights the multifaceted nature of the question, implying it has many layers and considerations.

a delicate question

This alternative suggests the question requires careful handling due to potential sensitivity or controversy.

a knotty question

This alternative emphasizes the intricacy and entanglement of the issue, implying it's hard to unravel.

a thorny question

This alternative suggests the question is fraught with difficulties and potential problems, like dealing with thorns.

a sticky question

This alternative implies the question is awkward or unpleasant to deal with, potentially leading to complications.

a problematic question

This alternative directly points out that the question poses issues or difficulties.

a puzzling question

This highlights the question's ability to confuse and require careful thought to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tricky question" to describe a question that is difficult to answer or requires careful consideration. For example, "The interviewer posed "a tricky question" about my weaknesses."

What are some alternatives to saying "a tricky question"?

Instead of "a tricky question", you could use phrases such as "a difficult question", "a challenging question", or "a complex question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "a tricky question" is generally acceptable, in more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "a complex question" or "a challenging question" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What makes a question "tricky"?

A question can be "tricky" if it is designed to mislead, requires specialized knowledge, or has multiple layers of interpretation. It often implies that the obvious answer is not necessarily the correct one.