a very tricky situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very tricky situation" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or complicated situation. Example: "The new tax law has put many small businesses in a very tricky situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"If he gets no support," he said, "it could become a very tricky situation".

The New York Times

"It's a very tricky situation for physicians and women themselves," she said.

The New York Times

Nicholas Bequelin of Human Rights Watch added: "If he is in the embassy, it's a very tricky situation.

The Guardian

"This is not going to lead to the fall of the government," said Najam Sethi, one of the country's leading political analysts, but he conceded that "this is a very tricky situation".

The New York Times

But what was clear, in conversations behind the smoldering truck tires and the barricades of overturned cars, is that this will now be a very tricky situation to defuse and forget.

The New York Times - Sports

Add to this the fact that a large percentage of supposed Havana cigars sold in Canada and the Caribbean are counterfeit and you have a very tricky situation.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

So it is a very, very tricky situation to be in".

The New York Times - Sports

In Bangladesh, meanwhile, stand-in England captain, Alastair Cook, has thanked his lucky stars for Paul Collingwood: "He's our most senior player and he showed his class again in the way he saw us home from what was a potentially very tricky situation..

The Guardian - Sport

Meyer's familiarity with Manhattan high society came in handy when interacting with the high-powered clientele, and she got a crash course in navigating some very tricky situations, like making final arrangements for a man with two widows who only found out about each other after he died.

Vice

In one recent situation with a portfolio company, we had a standing call every week for roughly six months as the executives worked through a very tricky financing situation.

TechCrunch

It is a really tricky situation for them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very tricky situation", ensure the context clearly explains why the situation is considered tricky. Provide specific details rather than relying on the phrase alone to convey the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "a very tricky situation" as a substitute for specific explanations. Instead of saying, "The merger negotiations were a very tricky situation", explain the exact challenges: "The merger negotiations were tricky due to conflicting financial projections and disagreements over leadership roles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very tricky situation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes a specific set of circumstances characterized by difficulty and complexity. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in news and media to depict complex real-world problems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very tricky situation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe complex and challenging circumstances. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, signaling its relevance in describing real-world events. When using the phrase, it's important to provide specific details to clarify the nature of the difficulty, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives like "a very delicate situation" or "a very complicated scenario" can be used to add nuance. Therefore, this phrase, while common, should be employed thoughtfully to effectively communicate the intricacies of the situation at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

a very complicated scenario

Highlights the complex nature of the circumstances.

a very challenging predicament

Focuses on the difficulty and demands of the situation.

a rather precarious position

Suggests a state of instability and potential danger.

a particularly thorny issue

Draws attention to the problematic and contentious aspect.

a highly sensitive matter

Indicates the potential for emotional or political repercussions.

a notably complex affair

Highlights the intricate and involved nature of the situation.

a genuinely difficult case

Emphasizes the authenticity and magnitude of the difficulty.

a truly problematic circumstance

Stresses the troublesome and undesirable aspects of the situation.

a notably awkward set of affairs

Highlights the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a very tricky situation" in a sentence?

You can use "a very tricky situation" to describe circumstances that are complex, difficult, and require careful handling. For example: "Navigating the legal complexities of the contract proved to be "a very tricky situation"".

What are some alternatives to "a very tricky situation"?

Alternatives include "a very delicate situation", "a very complicated scenario", or "a very challenging predicament", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a tricky situation" or "a very tricky situation"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a very tricky situation" emphasizes the degree of difficulty or complexity. Use "a very tricky situation" when you want to highlight the significant challenges involved.

What makes something qualify as "a very tricky situation"?

A "very tricky situation" typically involves multiple interacting factors, uncertain outcomes, and potential for negative consequences if not handled carefully. It often requires specialized knowledge or skills to navigate successfully.