is pretty tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult or complicated to understand or accomplish. Example: "The math problem is pretty tricky, so I might need some help solving it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Working with stem cells is pretty tricky," Dr. Mulcahy said.

The New York Times - Science

Getting human bodies to fly or disintegrate is pretty tricky on stage as, of course, is getting real horses to act.

The Guardian

"The track is pretty tricky and technical, especially the last sector, which has a lot of twisty, 90-degree corners," said Nico Hülkenberg, a driver at the Sauber team.

The New York Times - Sports

Which, if you're Channel 4, with a remit to be innovative, edgy, different, to serve audiences not well catered for elsewhere – as that remit says – and above all not to be the BBC, is pretty tricky.

The Guardian

"To get people to change their diet to get the cholesterol levels of a Chinese peasant is pretty tricky, whereas a statin will do that and it is pretty clean and effective," he said.

The Guardian

It is pretty tricky to put a net benefit on that.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But it's pretty tricky.

The Guardian - Sport

"The greens are pretty tricky," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's face it, without God the first two albums would have been pretty tricky, too.

The New Yorker

But getting a majority would also be pretty tricky for Trump.

The New Yorker

The concept of genetic drift can be pretty tricky to understand, but sweets make it much easier.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is pretty tricky" when you want to convey that something requires more than basic skill or understanding, but isn't necessarily impossible. It is suitable for describing tasks, concepts, or situations that demand careful attention.

Common error

Avoid using "is pretty tricky" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in many contexts, more sophisticated synonyms like "is considerably complex" or "presents significant challenges" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty tricky" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It is used to describe something as moderately difficult, complex, or requiring careful handling. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is pretty tricky" is a commonly used adjective phrase to describe something that is moderately difficult or complex. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples from various contexts, mainly news and media. While grammatically correct, it's best to avoid it in highly formal settings, opting for more sophisticated synonyms like "is considerably complex". When using "is pretty tricky", you're conveying that something requires attention and skill, but is not necessarily impossible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rather challenging

Replaces "pretty tricky" with a more formal synonym for difficult.

is quite difficult

Uses "quite" instead of "pretty" and "difficult" instead of "tricky", providing a slightly different emphasis.

presents some challenges

Shifts the focus to the challenges presented by the subject, rather than directly labeling it as tricky.

is somewhat complex

Emphasizes the complexity of the subject, suggesting it requires careful understanding.

is not straightforward

Highlights the lack of simplicity, indicating potential difficulties.

requires careful handling

Focuses on the need for caution and precision when dealing with the subject.

is a tough proposition

Frames the subject as a difficult task or undertaking.

is fraught with difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of numerous problems or obstacles.

poses considerable hurdles

Highlights the obstacles that must be overcome.

demands a delicate approach

Suggests the need for a sensitive and skillful method.

FAQs

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

You can use "is pretty tricky" to describe something that requires careful handling or is somewhat complex. For example, "Negotiating this contract "is pretty tricky" given the various stakeholders involved."

What are some alternatives to "is pretty tricky"?

Alternatives include "is rather challenging", "is quite difficult", or "presents some challenges", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is pretty tricky" too informal for professional writing?

While "is pretty tricky" is generally acceptable, it may be perceived as slightly informal. In professional contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "is considerably complex" or "requires careful consideration".

What makes something "pretty tricky" as opposed to simply "tricky"?

Adding "pretty" intensifies the degree of difficulty. Something that "is pretty tricky" requires more attention and skill than something that is simply "tricky". It suggests a task or concept that is notably challenging.