is tricky if not impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is tricky if not impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or situation that is difficult and may seem unachievable. Example: "Completing this project on time is tricky if not impossible given the current resources we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Turning the BoP clock back is tricky if not impossible.

The Guardian

Unfortunately purchasing chips beyond this is tricky (if not impossible), as Apple does not yet allow for microtransactions within applications.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The cabinet said it would seek to do so in a way that would not contravene the High Court decision or international law, although legal experts said that would be tricky, if not impossible.

The New York Times

The good news is that most of these illnesses can be avoided, but different cultures pose different health risks and knowing what to watch out for beforehand can be tricky, if not impossible.

Huffington Post

Moving onwards and upwards is tricky, but not impossible, as these three have proved.

The Guardian - Arts

Tying a shoe is tricky, but not impossible.

Huffington Post

An added bonus: In FAA files, candidates for testing and positions are listed only by first initial and last name, making gender bias tricky, if not impossible.

Forbes

Russian firms will have to look elsewhere for funding and certain hi-tech imports - a tricky, if not impossible, task".

BBC

Unfortunately for poor countries like Angola, limited infrastructure makes implementing routine vaccination programs tricky, if not impossible.

Huffington Post

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

The Guardian

It'll be tricky – but not impossible - for the Coens to grab best picture from Steve McQueen and co now.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is tricky if not impossible", ensure that the context clearly establishes what makes the situation difficult and why it might be unachievable. Specificity enhances the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is tricky if not impossible" when the situation is merely challenging but still potentially achievable with effort or alternative approaches. Overstating the impossibility can undermine your credibility and discourage problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is tricky if not impossible" functions as a qualifier, expressing the speaker's assessment of a situation or task. It suggests a high degree of difficulty, bordering on or potentially reaching impossibility. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which use the phrase to describe complex problems and challenging tasks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is tricky if not impossible" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a situation that is highly difficult and potentially unachievable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides several examples of its use in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys a pessimistic outlook. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly outlines the specific challenges and potential for failure to avoid overstating the impossibility. Alternatives like "is difficult if not unattainable" or "is challenging if not insurmountable" can be used to adjust the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is difficult if not unattainable

Replaces "tricky" with "difficult" and "impossible" with "unattainable", emphasizing the level of challenge and potential lack of achievement.

is challenging if not insurmountable

Substitutes "tricky" with "challenging" and "impossible" with "insurmountable", highlighting the demanding nature and apparent lack of solutions.

is hard if not unachievable

Uses "hard" instead of "tricky" and "unachievable" instead of "impossible" to convey the difficulty and potential lack of accomplishment.

is problematic if not infeasible

Replaces "tricky" with "problematic" and "impossible" with "infeasible", focusing on the issues and practicality of the situation.

is complicated if not undoable

Substitutes "tricky" with "complicated" and "impossible" with "undoable", emphasizing the complexity and potential for failure.

presents significant if not insurmountable obstacles

Shifts the structure to emphasize obstacles, using "significant" to highlight the difficulty and "insurmountable" to indicate potential impossibility.

poses a difficult if not hopeless situation

Focuses on the situation as difficult and potentially without hope, using stronger language than the original phrase.

is a long shot, if not a lost cause

Expresses a low probability of success, suggesting it might already be destined to fail.

borders on the unmanageable, if not the outright impossible

Emphasizes the difficulty of managing the situation, suggesting it's very close to being completely impossible.

verges on being unworkable, if not completely futile

Suggests the situation is close to being unworkable, potentially being a waste of effort.

FAQs

What does "is tricky if not impossible" mean?

The phrase "is tricky if not impossible" means something is very difficult to achieve and may well be unachievable.

How can I use "is tricky if not impossible" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe tasks, situations or goals that seem highly problematic. For example: "Navigating this legal landscape "is tricky if not impossible" without expert guidance."

What are some alternatives to "is tricky if not impossible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is difficult if not unattainable", "is challenging if not insurmountable", or "is problematic if not infeasible".

Is it better to say "is tricky if not impossible" or "is difficult if not impossible"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Tricky" suggests a need for skill and care, while "difficult" implies effort and struggle. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Is difficult if not impossible" is often seen as slightly more formal.