it's quite tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's quite tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or task that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "The math problem seemed simple at first, but after a few minutes, I realized it's quite tricky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It's quite tricky.

The New York Times - Sports

It's quite tricky to neutralise them".

The Guardian

I quite agree that it's quite tricky.

The Guardian - Books

It's going to be different and it's quite tricky in places.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think it's quite tricky, because there's always something in season somewhere," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I like the circuit even though it's quite tricky and you need to find a good rhythm," said Jérôme D'Ambrosio, a driver at the Virgin team.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It was quite tricky to get someone to listen," Mr. Ekstrom said.

The New York Times

It was quite tricky with the wind and he was hitting the ball really hard and flat, which made it difficult to get into a rhythm.

Independent

"We ended up with one racing line clear of dirt and just a little bit out makes you lose a lot of time, so it was quite tricky.

Independent

"It exactly fitted a little circular table so we could all sit around it and help, but it was quite tricky, no straight bits and you couldn't just find the corners and start from there".

The Guardian

"It was quite tricky working out how they could get in those classic elements that make Bond Bond: he's a womaniser, he drinks and smokes heavily, he kills people and drives fast cars.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's quite tricky", ensure the context provides specific details about what makes the subject "tricky". This adds clarity and avoids vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "it's quite tricky" as a generic statement without explaining why something is difficult. Instead, follow up with specific reasons or examples to provide clarity and depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's quite tricky" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or situation. As shown by Ludwig, it serves to describe something as moderately difficult, complicated, or requiring careful handling. The phrase introduces a degree of challenge or complexity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's quite tricky" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is moderately difficult or complex. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. Its frequency in news and media, science, and wiki sources indicates its broad applicability across various contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific context to enhance clarity. While alternatives like "it's rather difficult" or "it's somewhat challenging" exist, "it's quite tricky" offers a balanced tone suitable for many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's rather difficult

Replaces "tricky" with "difficult" and "quite" with "rather", slightly increasing the perceived level of challenge.

it's somewhat challenging

Substitutes "tricky" with "challenging" and "quite" with "somewhat", conveying a sense of requiring effort and skill.

it's fairly complex

Replaces "tricky" with "complex" and "quite" with "fairly", emphasizing the intricacy and multiple components involved.

it's a bit complicated

Uses "a bit" instead of "quite" and replaces "tricky" with "complicated", suggesting a moderate level of difficulty in understanding or execution.

it's not straightforward

Expresses the idea of difficulty by stating the absence of ease or simplicity.

it's demanding

Focuses on the effort and resources required, implying a high level of difficulty.

it requires finesse

Highlights the need for skill and delicacy in handling the situation.

it presents a challenge

Shifts the focus to the inherent difficulty of the task or situation.

it's no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression implying that something is far from easy.

it's an uphill battle

Suggests a constant struggle against obstacles and resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "it's quite tricky" in a sentence?

"It's quite tricky" is typically used to describe something that requires careful handling or is difficult to achieve. For instance: "Solving this equation is quite tricky" or "Navigating the bureaucracy is quite tricky".

What can I say instead of "it's quite tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "it's rather difficult", "it's somewhat challenging", or "it's fairly complex" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it's quite tricky" or "it's very tricky"?

Both "it's quite tricky" and "it's very tricky" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different intensities. "Quite" suggests moderately difficult, while "very" indicates a higher degree of difficulty. The choice depends on the context and the level of difficulty you want to express.

What's the difference between "it's quite tricky" and "it's not straightforward"?

"It's quite tricky" implies that something requires skill or careful handling, whereas "it's not straightforward" suggests that something lacks simplicity and may involve unexpected complications. The former highlights the need for expertise, while the latter emphasizes the lack of a clear or easy path.