be darn tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be darn tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is particularly difficult or complicated, often in a lighthearted or informal manner. Example: "This puzzle can be fun, but it can also be darn tricky if you don't pay attention to the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This business of mixing international politics with Olympic sport can be darn tricky, even for someone with good reason to stand on a soapbox, and who once upon a time had to cheat death to escape the governmental abusers of human rights the way Michelle Hong did.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

'I'll be darned.

The Guardian

"I'll be darned, Luther, you can read!

The New York Times

You're darn tootin'.

The Guardian - Sport

You're darn right".

The New York Times

It's darn cute.

The New York Times - Tech

"Now there are darn few".

The New York Times

"We're darn close," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd say that's darn good".

The New York Times - Sports

You're darn right," he said.

The New York Times

These are darn good trucks.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be darn tricky" to describe situations that require careful attention and a strategic approach. It adds a touch of informality while still conveying the complexity of the matter.

Common error

Avoid using "be darn tricky" in highly formal or professional settings where a more serious tone is expected. Opt for alternatives like "be quite challenging" or "be exceedingly complex" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be darn tricky" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the degree of difficulty or complexity associated with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be darn tricky" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something difficult or complex, as verified by Ludwig AI. While more suited to informal contexts, it effectively communicates a sense of challenge. Alternatives like "be quite challenging" or "be exceedingly complex" offer a more formal tone. The phrase appears across various sources, including News & Media, Wiki and Science, and it’s important to consider the audience when using it. While not extremely frequent, its meaning is easily understood and adds character to descriptions of difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be quite challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty as a challenge to overcome.

be rather difficult

Uses "rather" to soften the statement while maintaining the core meaning.

be exceedingly complex

Highlights the intricate nature of the subject.

be devilishly hard

Implies a playful sense of difficulty.

be notoriously complicated

Suggests a widely known level of complexity.

be fiendishly difficult

Emphasizes extreme difficulty in a slightly exaggerated way.

be particularly problematic

Focuses on the issues caused by the difficulty.

be intensely intricate

Highlights the detailed and interwoven nature of the difficulty.

be surprisingly tough

Highlights the unexpected nature of the difficulty.

be unusually arduous

Stresses the demanding and laborious aspect of the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "be darn tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "be darn tricky" to describe a situation, task, or concept that is particularly difficult or complicated. For example, "This puzzle can be fun, but it can also be darn tricky if you don't pay attention to the details."

What are some alternatives to "be darn tricky"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be quite challenging", "be rather difficult", or "be exceedingly complex".

Is "be darn tricky" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "be darn tricky" is generally more suited for informal or casual contexts. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives such as "be quite challenging" or "be exceedingly complex".

What's the difference between "be darn tricky" and "be somewhat tricky"?

"Be darn tricky" implies a slightly higher degree of difficulty or complexity than "be somewhat tricky". The word "darn" intensifies the level of trickiness.