could prove tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could prove tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or task that may be more difficult or complicated than it initially appears. Example: "The project deadline is approaching, and coordinating with multiple teams could prove tricky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They could prove tricky.

The Economist

That could prove tricky this time around.

The Economist

Merging T-Mobile and MetroPCS could prove tricky.

The New York Times

The endorsement could prove tricky for Mr. Hevesi.

The New York Times

Portraying itself as inexpensive, however, could prove tricky for Whole Foods.

The New York Times

That could prove tricky if Slack can't handle the relatively small number of employees Uber has.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

And though antitrust concerns could be assuaged, the politics could prove trickier.

The New York Times

But making the plan work in the United States could prove trickier than in Europe.

The New York Times

But if the experiences of the first wave of early adopters is anything to go by, that could prove trickier than it seems.

The Guardian - Tech

Hopes are also high for a new wireless technology called WiMax, expected in the market by 2005, that has a range of 31 miles, or 50km (compared with Wi-Fi's 100 yards, or 90 metres) and could therefore blanket entire cities with connectivity.Ironically, connecting gadgets at short range in a user-friendly way could prove trickier.

The Economist

While John Kerry promised to get tough with the regime in Beijing and congressmen of both parties branded China an unfair trader, George Bush's team, to its credit, rejected calls to threaten tariffs to force the Chinese government to revalue its currency.This year, standing firm against Sinophobia could prove trickier.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could prove tricky", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the potential challenges involved. Be clear about what aspects of the situation might be difficult.

Common error

Avoid using "could prove tricky" as a generic placeholder for specific difficulties. Always strive to identify the particular aspects that make something challenging to provide more informative and actionable insights.

Linguistic Context

Could prove tricky functions as a modal phrase expressing a prediction or assessment about a future event or situation. It suggests a task or situation might become more complex than it seems. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could prove tricky" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate potential difficulties or complexities in a situation. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage in diverse contexts, primarily within news and media. While it's generally considered neutral in register, remember to use it thoughtfully and pinpoint the specific elements contributing to the challenge, avoiding vague applications. Alternatives like "might present challenges" or "may become problematic" can be employed to express similar sentiments with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might present challenges

Emphasizes the potential for obstacles or difficulties, focusing on the challenges involved.

may become problematic

Highlights the possibility of issues arising, suggesting a focus on potential problems.

might turn out to be difficult

Indicates uncertainty about the level of difficulty, suggesting a gradual realization of challenges.

could become complicated

Focuses on the potential for increased complexity and intricacy in a situation.

may not be straightforward

Suggests that the process or task might involve indirect or complex steps.

might pose some difficulties

Highlights that certain problems are expected. It is more emphatic.

may require careful handling

Stresses the need for caution and precision in managing a situation.

might not be as easy as it seems

Underlines the deceptive simplicity of something at first glance. It's less focused on problems.

could involve some hurdles

Focuses on specific obstacles that need to be overcome, which is less generic.

may necessitate extra effort

Suggests that the task might demand more resources, which is not the same as tricky.

FAQs

How can I use "could prove tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "could prove tricky" to indicate a situation or task that might be more difficult than it initially appears. For example, "Negotiating the contract could prove tricky because of the many stakeholders involved."

What are some alternatives to "could prove tricky"?

Alternatives include "might present challenges", "may become problematic", or "might turn out to be difficult", depending on the context.

Is "could prove tricky" formal or informal?

"Could prove tricky" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from alternatives that sound more sophisticated.

How does "could prove tricky" differ from "could be difficult"?

"Could prove tricky" implies a subtle complexity or hidden challenge that may not be immediately obvious, while "could be difficult" is a more straightforward and general assessment of potential difficulty.