going to be tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to be tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when anticipating that a situation or task will be difficult or challenging. Example: "This math problem is going to be tricky, so let's work through it together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is going to be tricky.

The New Yorker

It's going to be tricky.

The New York Times

Again this is going to be tricky, but not impossible.

The Guardian

"Knowing when is going to be tricky," said Dawson.

The Guardian

The next few months are going to be tricky for Turkey.

The Economist

As athlete-redemption interviews go, this one is going to be tricky.

The New York Times - Sports

But persuading flesh-loving, ento-phobic westerners of this is going to be tricky.

The Economist

"Any score on the final day is going to be tricky [to chase]" Ashwin said.

The Guardian - Sport

"The next 10% for us is going to be tricky," Lund admits.

The Guardian

Predicting an opening number for Bridesmaids at UK cinemas was always going to be tricky.

The Guardian - Film

"I needed further investment which was going to be tricky and there were staffing issues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going to be tricky", consider the audience and context. While widely acceptable, ensure the level of formality is appropriate. In formal settings, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "will present challenges".

Common error

Avoid using "going to be tricky" in highly formal documents such as academic papers or legal briefs. Opt for more formal synonyms to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to be tricky" functions as a predictive statement, indicating an expectation of difficulty or complexity in a future event or situation. It's commonly used to prepare someone for potential challenges. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going to be tricky" is a common and acceptable way to express the expectation of difficulty or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as in everyday conversation. For more formal situations, consider alternatives such as "will present challenges" or "will require careful consideration".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will pose difficulties

Indicates that the situation will present specific problems or obstacles.

will present challenges

Focuses on the challenging aspect of a situation, suggesting obstacles to overcome.

will call for skill

Highlights the need for specific abilities to handle the situation.

will prove demanding

Suggests that the situation will be taxing and require significant effort.

will not be a walk in the park

Emphasizes the lack of ease in the situation, using an idiomatic expression.

will be fraught with complications

Highlights the potential for numerous and complex issues to arise.

will test one's mettle

Suggests the situation will challenge someone's strength and resilience.

will require careful navigation

Highlights the need for caution and skill in managing the situation.

will necessitate precision

Emphasizes the importance of accuracy and attention to detail.

will demand ingenuity

Stresses the need for creativity and resourcefulness to succeed.

FAQs

How can I use "going to be tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "going to be tricky" to describe a situation that is expected to be difficult or challenging. For example: "Navigating this new software is going to be tricky."

What are some alternatives to "going to be tricky"?

Some alternatives include "going to be challenging", "going to be difficult", or "will present challenges" depending on the context.

Is "going to be tricky" appropriate for formal writing?

While "going to be tricky" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative such as "will require careful consideration".

What's the difference between "going to be tricky" and "going to be impossible"?

"Going to be tricky" suggests a challenge that can be overcome with effort. "Going to be impossible" implies that the task cannot be achieved regardless of effort. The first suggests difficulty, while the second suggests impossibility.