feel tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that seems complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "The instructions for the new software update feel tricky, and I'm not sure I understand them completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It doesn't feel tricky, and it doesn't dominate the environment".

The New York Times

If their tempo were any less sure, they might feel tricky, overdetermined, forcibly literary.

The New York Times - Books

"He has figured out a way to make work that deals with technology but doesn't feel tricky or techie, rather it's intuitive.

The New York Times - Arts

This may feel tricky as parents worry about hurting self-esteem, or if they have another child who they are desperate to feed.

Huffington Post

"And that's also hard when I am reading in a space that I feel like is occupied by a lot of straight people, and then to read a piece unpacking the racism of white queer people and in that space sometimes will feel tricky to me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Even discussing it feels tricky because it isn't something I'd recommend to fellow actors.

The Guardian - Film

"To then turn around and take the money from the U.S. government felt tricky for us," Dahl said.

The New Yorker

This mystery-genre structure feels tricky at times, what with misleading clues and Disa's ominous bad dreams, but it also makes her an interestingly unpredictable character.

The New York Times - Books

And that's what I feel like Tricky and Dream did with this record.

Wikipedia

How middle-aged does this question make me feel?! It's tricky to answer, because I'm not very plugged in to the current scene here in the west of Ireland, and I tend to read the dead more than I do the living.

The New York Times - Books

Add in the vagaries of weather and taking a ferry can feel like a tricky option to consider let alone nail down and book versus more digitally accessible alternatives like buying a plane ticket.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel tricky" to describe situations where careful consideration and navigation are required. It suggests a blend of complexity and potential difficulty, making it suitable for contexts where straightforward solutions are unlikely.

Common error

While "feel tricky" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem less professional. Opt for alternatives like "appear complex" or "present challenges" /s/appear+complex or /s/present+challenges to maintain a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel tricky" functions as a verb phrase complemented by an adjective, expressing a subjective perception of difficulty or complexity. Ludwig examples show its use in describing situations requiring careful navigation or decisions involving potential issues. It describes something that evokes a sense of being difficult to handle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel tricky" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, according to Ludwig. It is employed to describe situations perceived as complex and potentially difficult to handle. While not exceedingly formal, it finds common usage in news and media, alongside more informal contexts like wikis. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "appear complex" or "present challenges" are recommended. Ludwig examples highlight that the core function of the expression is to communicate a subjective feeling or perception about a somewhat complex matter requiring extra care and navigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem complicated

Focuses on the complexity aspect, rather than the potential for deception or difficulty.

seem difficult

A more general term for something that requires effort or skill.

appear challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty and the need for effort to overcome the task.

appear complex

Highlights the intricate and multi-layered nature of the situation.

sound problematic

Highlights the potential issues and negative consequences associated with the situation.

come across as delicate

Stresses the need for careful handling and sensitivity in addressing the situation.

sound intricate

Focuses on the elaborate and detailed nature of the situation.

feel sensitive

Emphasizes emotional considerations and the potential for causing offense or discomfort.

feel delicate

Similar to "feel sensitive", but may also suggest fragility or instability.

feel sticky

Implies that the situation is difficult to get out of or resolve cleanly.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "feels tricky"?

When something "feels tricky", it suggests that the situation or task is complex, potentially difficult to navigate, and requires careful handling to avoid problems.

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

You can use "feel tricky" to describe a situation, task, or decision. For example, "Negotiating this contract "feels tricky" because there are many conflicting interests involved."

What can I say instead of "feel tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "seem complicated", "appear challenging", or "sound problematic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "feel tricky" is understandable, it might be better to use more formal alternatives such as "present challenges" or "require careful consideration" in formal contexts.