a tricky question to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky question to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is difficult to respond to or requires careful consideration. Example: "When asked about the best way to solve the problem, she realized it was a tricky question to answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That's such a tricky question to answer, because one's tastes evolve, but my favorite authors are the ones whose work sparks within me an urge to write.

The New Yorker

A tricky question to answer, but when it comes to the cookie on your browser, Google says if you opt out from receiving Doubleclick cookies and visit its ad preferences manager, it will recognise your opt-out status.

The Guardian - Tech

That's a tricky question to answer, as there isn't just one Apple Watch hitting the market.

TechCrunch

The researchers wanted to determine whether certain pathogen-fighting genes reside at the same place in the genomes of different species, a tricky question to answer because over evolutionary time, the genes can be copied or lost, or swap segments with other genes.

Science Magazine

It's a tricky question to answer, but I want to try running some numbers past you.

Huffington Post

That's a tricky question to answer, and if I'm being honest, depends on who you happen to question.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

That is a trickier question to answer than it was three months ago, when European Union leaders first lined up in Brussels to wag their fingers at the markets and offer vague declarations of "solidarity" with Greece in its hour of fiscal need.

The Economist

That's a trickier question to answer, and it's also not clear that's in Google's best interest.

TechCrunch

Asked why, Mr Hines said: "For a lot of other publishers, that would probably be a trickier question to answer, but Bethesda stands defiantly in support of single-player stuff.

BBC

Riall eventually asks, "How special was Garibaldi?" That, she says, "is an especially tricky question to answer".

The New Yorker

A far trickier question to answer is this one: how do we go from consecutive weeks without a perfect score in the Pick Six contest, to having eight people run the board all at once?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using this phrase. In formal settings, "a complex question to address" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky question to answer" as a generic filler. Always ensure the complexity of the question is apparent to the reader, or else it loses its impact and appears vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky question to answer" functions as a descriptor, specifically an adjective phrase modifying the noun "question". It indicates that the question is not straightforward and requires careful consideration. Ludwig AI examples show it's often used to preface a potentially complex or controversial response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science & Research

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky question to answer" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to preface responses to complex or sensitive inquiries. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, though it also appears in scientific and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the difficulty of the question is evident to the audience. Alternatives such as "a difficult question to answer" or "a challenging question to answer" can be used to modulate the tone and formality of the response. Understanding the appropriate context and potential pitfalls can enhance clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult question to answer

Replaces "tricky" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenge in answering.

a challenging question to answer

Substitutes "tricky" with "challenging", highlighting the demanding nature of the question.

a hard question to answer

Replaces "tricky" with "hard" for simplicity.

a complex question to address

Uses "complex" instead of "tricky" and "address" instead of "answer", focusing on the multifaceted nature of the question.

a complicated question to answer

Substitutes "tricky" with "complicated", stressing the intricate nature of the question.

a perplexing question to resolve

Employs "perplexing" to convey the confusing aspect and "resolve" to emphasize the need for a solution.

a thorny issue to address

Uses "thorny" metaphorically and issue to denote the problematic nature.

a problematic inquiry to answer

Replaces tricky with problematic and inquiry to emphasize its questioning nature.

a sensitive matter to discuss

Highlights the delicacy and the need for careful consideration in answering.

a multifaceted problem to solve

Focuses on the many aspects of the problem and the act of solving it.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tricky question to answer" when you want to describe a question that requires careful thought and consideration because it is complex or sensitive. For example, "Deciding which project to prioritize first was "a tricky question to answer" because each had critical deadlines".

What can I say instead of "a tricky question to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult question to answer", "a challenging question to answer", or "a complex question to address" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "a complex question" instead of "a tricky question"?

Yes, "a complex question" generally sounds more formal and academic than "a tricky question". "Tricky" implies a level of cunning or deception, while "complex" suggests intricate and multifaceted considerations.

Which is correct, "a tricky question to answer" or "a tricky question to be answered"?

"A tricky question to answer" is the more concise and commonly used phrasing. "A tricky question to be answered" is grammatically correct but less direct and may sound slightly awkward in many contexts.