be both tricky and

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be both tricky and" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has dual characteristics, specifically that it is challenging or difficult in more than one way. Example: "The puzzle can be both tricky and time-consuming, requiring a lot of patience to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If you decide to work in one of the American or Canadian resorts, you need to have a valid work visa before you travel, which can be both tricky and expensive to get a hold of.

Independent

Using the Internet for any organic good can be both tricky and convenient.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Plants are both tricky and thrifty.

The Guardian

The only connection is they are both tricky and both on my mind.

The Guardian

Growing cells from the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, is both tricky and time consuming.

The Guardian

And its relationship with Brazil's government, which would prefer it to invest at home, is both tricky and unclear.Iron ore is largely a logistics business.

The Economist

With hundreds of courses to choose from -- costing thousands of dollars apiece at private institutions -- doing it right is both tricky and important.

The New York Times

But that space is both tricky and now crowded with the likes of Cisco.

TechCrunch

But choosing a physician is both trickier and higher-stakes than, say, buying a new food processor.

Huffington Post

By JR Thorpe Abortion is both a tricky and a touchy subject.

Huffington Post

Rivalry games can be tricky and both Clemson and Alabama had difficultly pulling away in their annual in-state grudge matches.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be both tricky and", ensure that the two qualities you are attributing are distinct but related, enhancing the description's depth.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky" repetitively in your writing. If you've already established something is tricky, use synonyms or alternative phrasing to describe the specific challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be both tricky and" functions as a linking verb followed by two adjectives, used to describe a subject with dual characteristics. This construction follows standard English grammar, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be both tricky and" is a grammatically correct and usable construction in English, intended to describe something possessing two distinct yet related challenging qualities. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness. While not exceedingly frequent, it appears across varied contexts, particularly within news, media, and wiki sources. For enhanced writing, ensure the two qualities are distinct and consider synonyms for "tricky" to avoid repetition. Related alternatives include "be simultaneously complex and" and "be not only difficult but".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be simultaneously complex and

Emphasizes the simultaneous existence of complexity and another characteristic.

be challenging and also

Focuses on the challenging aspect along with an additional attribute.

be not only difficult but

Highlights the difficulty and introduces another related aspect.

present dual challenges of

Highlights the challenges are two-fold.

be multifaceted and complex

Emphasizes the multiple facets and complexity of the subject.

be doubly difficult due to

Stresses the increased difficulty stemming from two combined factors.

be complex in more ways than one

Highlights that the complexity is not singular.

involve multiple layers of difficulty

Focuses on the layered nature of the difficulties involved.

be both intricate and

Highlights the intricate nature and an additional characteristic.

be complicated on several fronts

Indicates complications exist across multiple areas.

FAQs

How can I use "be both tricky and" in a sentence?

You can use "be both tricky and" to describe something that is complex and difficult in more than one way. For example, "The negotiation can "be both tricky and" time-consuming".

What are some alternatives to "be both tricky and"?

Some alternatives include "be simultaneously complex and", "be not only difficult but", or "present dual challenges of", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be both tricky and"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The structure "be both X and Y" is a standard construction in English, used to connect two adjectives or descriptive phrases.

What is the difference between "be both tricky and" and "be tricky"?

"Be tricky" implies a single aspect of difficulty. "Be both tricky and" highlights multiple aspects of difficulty, suggesting a more nuanced or complex situation.