is too tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is too tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is overly complicated or difficult to understand or solve. Example: "The math problem is too tricky for me to solve without help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"To get under the hood, smell the interior -- sight-unseen buying is too tricky".

The New York Times

If it is too tricky for the kids to follow (it should be fine), you can always fold your paper into a simple triangle and cut that!

The Guardian

They have been executed by the author in either a genuinely or an artificially naïve adolescent drawing style; the book is too tricky to make a clear distinction.

The New York Times - Books

"Accio," the Summoning Charm, is too useful to leave in the magical world ― we all need to accio our keys every now and then ― though its pronunciation is too tricky to easily use in spoken conversation.

Huffington Post

If this is too tricky you can lift the toilet paper up.

WikiHow

If they are over the eyelashes or eyebrows, it is too tricky to get rid of them, so just leave them there- no one will notice.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But it has been too tricky by half.

The Guardian

This was too tricky for Meares to answer.

The Guardian - Business

A wider range of polls would now be too tricky to arrange.

The Economist

In any event, he said the fallout would be too tricky to forecast.

The New York Times

Alternatively, less generously, we might decide it's too tricky for the researchers themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is too tricky" when you want to convey that something is not only difficult but also requires a degree of cunning or strategy to overcome. Be mindful of the audience; in formal settings, consider using "is overly complicated" or "presents significant challenges".

Common error

Avoid using "is too tricky" in formal or academic writing. While appropriate in casual conversation or less formal content, it can sound unprofessional. Opt for alternatives like "is excessively complex" or "presents significant challenges" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is too tricky" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun as being excessively complex or difficult to handle. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe something that is overly complicated or difficult to understand or solve.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is too tricky" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey that something is not only difficult but also requires careful maneuvering or cleverness. Ludwig AI confirms this and indicates its applicability across various contexts. While it's most frequently found in news and media, it can also appear in wiki entries and business communications. However, in formal settings, alternatives such as "is excessively complex" or "presents significant challenges" may be more appropriate. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone when deciding whether to use "is too tricky".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is exceedingly difficult

Highlights the level of difficulty, making it a direct synonym in many contexts.

is overly complicated

Focuses on the intricacy involved, similar to "tricky" but more explicit.

is quite challenging

Softens the statement while maintaining the core meaning of difficulty.

is excessively complex

Replaces "tricky" with a more formal term, emphasizing the level of complexity.

is remarkably intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and complex nature of something.

presents significant challenges

Shifts the focus to the challenges posed by something, rather than just its difficulty.

is exceptionally problematic

Indicates the presence of issues or problems due to the complexity.

is simply unmanageable

Suggests that something is not only difficult but also beyond one's ability to handle.

is beyond my capabilities

Personalizes the difficulty, stating that it exceeds one's personal abilities.

is a real head-scratcher

Uses an informal idiom to convey that something is perplexing or difficult to understand.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is too tricky"?

When something "is too tricky", it means that it's not only difficult but also requires careful handling or a clever approach to avoid problems or failure. It suggests a situation where skill and strategy are needed.

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

You can use "is too tricky" to describe tasks, situations, or concepts. For example, "The negotiation is too tricky to handle alone" or "This puzzle is too tricky for beginners".

What are some formal alternatives to "is too tricky"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "is excessively complex", "presents significant challenges", or "is overly complicated". These options maintain a professional tone.

Is there a difference between "is too tricky" and "is too difficult"?

While both describe something challenging, "is too tricky" implies that skill or cleverness is required, whereas "is too difficult" simply means it's hard to do. "Is too tricky" suggests there may be a deceptive or strategic element involved.