has been tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that has been difficult or challenging over a period of time. Example: "The project has been tricky due to unforeseen complications and tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But helping Private Manning has been tricky.

The New York Times

Historically, proving that has been tricky.

The New Yorker

But mimicking the ocean has been tricky.

The New York Times

But the timing has been tricky.

The New York Times

That balance has been tricky at times.

The New York Times

Determining it, though, has been tricky.

The New York Times

But identifying each cancer's "cell of origin" has been tricky.

Columbia University

Harmonising customs and tariffs between the two has been tricky.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Respect in the United States has been trickier to come by, however.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, she admits: "Staying in love with him has been trickier.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet for Ms. Tarleton herself, the process of acceptance has been trickier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been tricky" to describe ongoing difficulties or challenges that have persisted over a period of time. It's suitable when highlighting the continued nature of the problem.

Common error

While "has been tricky" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound informal in highly professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "has proven difficult" or "has been challenging" when a more serious tone is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been tricky" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that a particular task, situation, or process has presented ongoing difficulties or challenges. It suggests a problem that has persisted over a period of time. Ludwig examples show its use in describing diverse challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been tricky" is a versatile and frequently used expression for describing ongoing challenges or difficulties. As per Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly professional or academic settings. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its widespread acceptance and utility in conveying that something hasn't been straightforward. When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a more precise alternative, such as "has proven difficult" or "has been challenging", might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has proven difficult

Replaces 'tricky' with 'difficult', emphasizing the challenge encountered.

has been challenging

Substitutes 'tricky' with 'challenging', highlighting the demanding nature of the situation.

has been problematic

Replaces 'tricky' with 'problematic', indicating the presence of issues or complications.

has been complex

Substitutes 'tricky' with 'complex', focusing on the intricate nature of the matter.

has been complicated

Substitutes 'tricky' with 'complicated', highlighting the confusing or involved nature.

has been arduous

Replaces 'tricky' with 'arduous', emphasizing the effort and exertion required.

has not been easy

Offers a more straightforward way of saying something was difficult.

has presented difficulties

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the difficulties encountered.

has been no simple task

Emphasizes that something required considerable effort and wasn't straightforward.

has been a struggle

Highlights the effort involved and potential resistance faced.

FAQs

How can I use "has been tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "has been tricky" to describe a situation that has presented ongoing challenges. For example, "Navigating the new software "has been tricky", but we're learning quickly."

What are some alternatives to "has been tricky"?

Alternatives include "has been challenging", "has proven difficult", or "has been complicated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has been tricky" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "has been tricky" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "has proven difficult" or "has presented difficulties" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "has been tricky" and "was tricky"?

"Has been tricky" implies an ongoing challenge that started in the past and continues to the present. "Was tricky" suggests the challenge existed in the past but is no longer relevant.