extremely tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, problem, or task that is very difficult or complicated to navigate or solve. Example: "The math problem was extremely tricky, requiring multiple steps to arrive at the correct answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Courting them is extremely tricky.

The New York Times

Executing the policy, however, has been extremely tricky.

The New York Times - Magazine

This will be extremely tricky to get right.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue is extremely tricky for the coalition.

The Guardian

And regulation of that kind is extremely tricky to draw up.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it is extremely tricky to isolate the impact of changes in fiscal policy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Hamilton's Ricci-flow strategy was extremely technical and tricky to execute.

The New Yorker

If you time the market correctly, you can become extremely rich, but timing is tricky.

The New York Times

It's also extremely difficult, full of endless, tricky double and triple stopping.

The Guardian

Sturgess turns out to be extremely well informed about the tricky issue of the resemblances and differences between the character of Sir John Falstaff in Henry IV and Sir John Fastolf in Henry VI.

The Guardian

But such an observation will be tricky, and is extremely dangerous.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extremely tricky", consider the audience. While common, ensure the context doesn't require a more formal or technical term for precision. For example, in scientific writing, a specific methodological challenge might benefit from a precise term rather than "extremely tricky".

Common error

Avoid using "extremely tricky" in highly formal or academic contexts where a more precise and technical term would be more appropriate. While understandable, it can sometimes be perceived as less professional than alternatives like "exceptionally challenging" or "remarkably complicated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely tricky" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its level of difficulty or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used to characterize situations requiring careful handling. For example, 'Executing the policy, however, has been extremely tricky.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extremely tricky" is a common and understandable phrase used to describe something that is very difficult or complex. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its register leans towards neutral, suggesting suitability across various audiences. For formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "exceptionally challenging" or "remarkably complicated". Remember, the key is to ensure your language aligns with the context and intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally challenging

Emphasizes the high level of difficulty involved.

particularly problematic

Focuses on the issues and troubles that the situation presents.

remarkably complicated

Highlights the intricate and complex nature of the matter.

unusually difficult

Stresses the uncommon level of hardship encountered.

devilishly complex

Adds an element of playful frustration to the description of complexity.

notoriously arduous

Implies a well-known history of being tough and demanding.

fiendishly intricate

Similar to 'devilishly complex', it underscores a complex and potentially frustrating nature.

extraordinarily thorny

Suggests a problem filled with difficulties and potential pain points.

uncommonly taxing

Focuses on the demanding and burdensome aspects of the situation.

terribly convoluted

Conveys that something is unnecessarily complex and hard to follow.

FAQs

What does "extremely tricky" mean?

The phrase "extremely tricky" describes something that is very difficult, complicated, or requires great care and skill to handle successfully. It implies a high likelihood of problems or failure if not approached cautiously.

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

You can use "extremely tricky" to describe a task, situation, or problem. For example: "Negotiating the contract was "extremely tricky" due to numerous conflicting interests."

What are some alternatives to "extremely tricky"?

Alternatives to "extremely tricky" include "exceptionally challenging", "particularly problematic", or "remarkably complicated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "extremely tricky" in formal writing?

While "extremely tricky" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal or academic writing, consider using more precise or technical alternatives such as "exceptionally challenging" or "remarkably complicated" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.