even more tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even more tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is increasingly difficult or complicated compared to something else. Example: "The first puzzle was challenging, but the second one was even more tricky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Even more tricky were the technicalities of the filming process.

The Guardian

Now for an even more tricky French plural in English usage.

Independent

It makes the management of his party – already hard enough in a coalition – even more tricky.

Independent

His alliance with Roy Keane was even more tricky to fathom.

The Guardian - Sport

Because of this, Mum will tell us different things, which of course makes honest communication between us all even more tricky.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In Britain, a country that has "form" on inflation, 22.5% of government debt is in the form of inflation-linked bonds, making the strategy even more tricky (in the US, the ratio is 10%).Now, of course, inflation could arise by accident, rather than design.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The sun, when we can see it, is starting to go orange now, and our path is even more shadowy and tricky.

Huffington Post

Westwood's round was even more remarkable given the tricky wind in Chonburi.

BBC

Sign up now to get the Butt of VICevennada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

Drug smuggling is essentially about transportation, you can buy drugs easily, you can sell them even more easily, but the tricky bit is getting them from A to B– particularly into the UK as it's so well-policed.

Vice

There is another conference's worth of material on Centre Court today, where the sometimes brilliant, often petulant Andy Murray takes on the eighth seed Richard Gasquet, an even more complex character, whose trickiest opponent is often inside his own head.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even more tricky" when you want to emphasize that something is not just difficult, but increasingly so compared to a previous state or task. This adds a layer of intensity to the challenge.

Common error

While "even more tricky" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "increasingly complex" or "substantially more challenging" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even more tricky" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "tricky". It indicates a higher degree of difficulty or complexity than previously stated or implied. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase typically modifies situations, tasks or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even more tricky" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an increase in difficulty or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used in neutral contexts, with a prevalence in news and media sources. When writing, consider the level of formality required and choose more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal settings. By understanding its usage and alternatives, you can use "even more tricky" effectively to convey nuanced meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still more challenging

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the challenge, implying a continuation of difficulty.

even further complicated

Focuses on the increased complexity of a situation, suggesting added layers of difficulty.

even more problematic

Highlights the troublesome aspect, suggesting the emergence of new issues.

increasingly difficult

Indicates a progressive rise in difficulty over time.

more intricate still

Stresses the complexity and detailed nature, highlighting the subtle challenges.

more nuanced now

Suggests the emergence of subtle but important differences.

all the more arduous

Emphasizes the demanding and laborious nature of the task.

more delicate than before

Highlights the need for careful handling and sensitivity, implying a risk of negative consequences.

more complex than initially thought

Underscores a realization that a situation's complexity was underestimated.

significantly harder

Indicates a notable increase in difficulty, suggesting a substantial difference in effort required.

FAQs

How can I use "even more tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "even more tricky" to describe a situation that has become more difficult or complicated than it previously was. For example: "The first step was difficult, but the second was "even more tricky"."

What are some alternatives to "even more tricky"?

Some alternatives to "even more tricky" include "even more difficult", "even more challenging", or "even more complicated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ever more tricky" instead of "even more tricky"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "even more tricky" is more common. "Ever more tricky" /s/ever+more+tricky implies a gradual increase in difficulty over time, while "even more tricky" suggests a comparison to a specific previous state.

What's the difference between "more tricky" and "even more tricky"?

"More tricky" indicates a higher level of difficulty compared to something else. "Even more tricky" emphasizes that the difficulty has increased beyond what was previously implied. So, ""even more tricky"" intensifies the degree of difficulty.