definitely tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitely tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or problem that is undoubtedly difficult or complicated. Example: "The math problem was definitely tricky, and it took me a while to figure it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was definitely tricky.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Labeling requirements can definitely be tricky, as you mention.

Harvard University

"It's a beautiful place to live," he says, "but running definitely gets tricky".

The New York Times

Damon Brown: It is definitely a tricky balance, which is why I wrote the book series.

Forbes

This was definitely a tricky problem to solve, but since most of us connect our Twitter accounts to Instagram for sharing purposes, this type of mapping was indeed possible.

TechCrunch

"I think it's definitely a tricky thing for digital content filmmakers when they have such immediate reaction to their work," he asserted.

Huffington Post

This is definitely the trickiest part because it needs the most attention – if it doesn't hit exactly the right temperature, you run the risk of undoing the whole endeavour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I definitely know how tricky it is, considering how the ball comes of the wall.

The New York Times - Sports

There will definitely be some tricky moments when they spend the lot immediately and then start pestering for more, so agree from the start on what you will pay for and what they will pay for, depending on age.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile, Jon was left looking very dead but the Red Priestess, a woman with a decided interest in the former Lord Commander, has just arrived at Castle Black and her magic – while tricky – definitely works, which means all bets are off.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Where to get a low price tooth whitening treatment is definitely a very tricky and important question as one would not like to waste any extra money that one can acquire at economical prices also.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitely tricky" when you want to emphasize the undeniable difficulty or complexity of a situation, ensuring your audience understands the challenge is significant. For example: "Navigating the legal landscape is "definitely tricky", requiring expert advice."

Common error

Avoid using "definitely tricky" too frequently, as it can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "undeniably challenging" or "certainly complex" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely tricky" primarily functions as an adverb-adjective combination, where "definitely" intensifies the adjective "tricky". It serves to emphasize the level of difficulty or complexity associated with a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitely tricky" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express something that is undeniably difficult or complex. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds its place across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academia. While considered neutral in register, it's wise to tailor your language to the specific audience, opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Keep in mind that overusing the phrase might diminish its impact, so it's always a good idea to enrich your writing with synonyms and varied expressions. Its meaning has small nuances with alternatives like "undeniably challenging", "certainly complex", or "absolutely problematic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undeniably challenging

Emphasizes the undeniable nature of the challenge.

certainly complex

Highlights the complexity of the situation.

unquestionably demanding

Highlights the high demands placed on someone or something.

absolutely problematic

Focuses on the problematic aspects of the issue.

indisputably convoluted

Focuses on the twisted and complicated nature.

assuredly intricate

Stresses the detailed and complicated nature.

unmistakably arduous

Emphasizes the strenuous and difficult nature.

positively thorny

Uses a metaphorical term to describe the difficulty.

decidedly perplexing

Highlights the confusing nature of the situation.

plainly troublesome

Highlights the annoying or bothersome nature.

FAQs

How can I use "definitely tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "definitely tricky" to describe situations that are undoubtedly challenging or complicated. For example, "Negotiating this contract is "definitely tricky", requiring careful attention to detail." or "The final exam will be "definitely tricky", so make sure you study hard.

What are some alternatives to saying "definitely tricky"?

Alternatives include "undeniably challenging", "certainly complex", or "absolutely problematic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "definitely tricky" formal or informal?

"Definitely tricky" is generally considered neutral and suitable for most contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "undeniably challenging" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "definitely tricky" and "somewhat tricky"?

"Definitely tricky" indicates a high degree of difficulty or complexity, while "somewhat tricky" suggests a moderate level of challenge. The choice depends on the degree of difficulty you want to convey.