is more tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is more tricky' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is more difficult than something else. For example, "Solving this algebra problem is more tricky than the others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Gove is more tricky.

The Guardian - Opinion

In contrast, determining influence is more tricky.

The Economist

And: "Karaoke is more tricky than it seems".

The New York Times - Arts

The precise meaning of Mahopac is more tricky to decipher.

The New York Times

But the 'Fire's clash with "Paper Planes" singer MIA is more tricky to get around.

Independent

2) The Who vs. The Chemical Brothers This one is more tricky because both big acts are on at 9.45pm.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Some questions are more tricky than others.

The New York Times

These are more tricky questions to answer.

Independent

It's more tricky than it seems.

The New Yorker

Do you think handling actual footballers would be more tricky?

The Guardian - Sport

It could be more tricky if your gift came from an internet-only retailer.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two tasks or situations, use "is more tricky" to clearly indicate which one requires more careful handling or skill.

Common error

While "is more tricky" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "is more complex" or "presents a greater challenge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is more tricky" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something possesses a higher degree of complexity or difficulty when compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is more tricky" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate that something requires more skill or careful handling compared to something else. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "is more complex" in academic or professional writing. With a neutral register, "is more tricky" is suitable for general communication, but choosing the right synonym can enhance clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature of a task.

is more complicated

Focuses on the increased number of parts or steps involved.

is more difficult

Highlights the effort required to accomplish something.

is more complex

Stresses the intricate and interconnected nature of the situation.

is more intricate

Suggests fine details and complex patterns.

is more convoluted

Implies a winding and confusing path.

is more problematic

Focuses on the issues and potential problems involved.

is harder to manage

Highlights difficulties in control or supervision.

presents a greater challenge

Emphasizes the magnitude of the task's difficulty.

involves greater complexity

Highlights the increased level of intricacy required.

FAQs

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

You can use "is more tricky" to compare the difficulty of two tasks. For instance, "Negotiating this contract is more tricky than I anticipated."

What's a more formal alternative to "is more tricky"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is more complex", "is more complicated", or "presents a greater challenge".

Is "is more tricky" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "is more tricky" may sound informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and academic language such as "is more intricate" or "is more complex" to convey a more scholarly tone.

What's the difference between "is more tricky" and "is more difficult"?

While similar, "is more tricky" suggests a need for careful handling and cleverness, while "is more difficult" emphasizes the amount of effort required. "This puzzle is more tricky" suggests needing a clever solution, whereas "climbing this mountain is more difficult" implies needing more physical effort.