it can be sneaky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be sneaky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is deceptive or not straightforward in nature. Example: "When it comes to online scams, it can be sneaky how they lure you in with seemingly legitimate offers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It can be sneaky".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can be sneaky about it.

WikiHow

Jones can be sneaky.

The New Yorker

Blue Hill can be sneaky that way.

The New York Times - Food

Waiters seem less threatening, but can be sneaky.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's another key to the children's museum experience: learning can be sneaky.

The New York Times

"Open-minded" means desperate.Little white liesOrwell was right: euphemisms can be sneaky and coercive.

The Economist

Granted, Canadians can be sneaky — they're so easy to mistake for natural-born Americans.

The New Yorker

"Election strategies can be devious and they can be sneaky," said James G. Samson, a Manhattan co-op lawyer.

The New York Times

And bankers can be sneaky — so can Treasury secretaries and Fed chiefs, judging by this week's stories on the government's role in the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch deal.

The New Yorker

Check Date Restrictions Most sales apply to a limited number of travel dates, but companies can be sneaky about disclosing this information.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it can be sneaky", ensure that the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. This ensures the reader understands what is being described as deceptive or subtle.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be sneaky" without providing specific examples or details to support the claim. Otherwise, the statement may lack credibility and appear as an unsubstantiated opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be sneaky" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing something as having the potential for deceptiveness or subtlety. Ludwig AI highlights that this expression is commonly used and grammatically sound for describing non-straightforward situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be sneaky" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something with the potential for deception or subtlety. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what 'it' refers to and providing supporting details to enhance credibility. Related phrases like "it may be deceptive" or "it could be cunning" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. Remember to avoid overgeneralization to maintain the strength and impact of your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be deceptive

Replaces 'sneaky' with 'deceptive', focusing on the misleading aspect.

it could be cunning

Substitutes 'sneaky' with 'cunning', suggesting a clever and strategic approach to deception.

it might be artful

Replaces 'sneaky' with 'artful', implying skillful and subtle deception.

it can be insidious

Uses 'insidious' instead of 'sneaky', emphasizing the gradual and subtle harmful effect.

it may appear harmless

Shifts the focus to the initial impression of being safe or benign.

it could prove deceptive

Adds 'prove' to highlight the eventual revelation of deception.

it might turn out to be tricky

Replaces 'sneaky' with 'tricky' and adds 'turn out to be' to indicate a discovery.

it can be subtly misleading

Adds 'subtly misleading' to specify the manner of deception.

it may not be as straightforward as it seems

Expands the phrase to express the lack of directness in a more elaborate way.

it can operate under the radar

Uses the idiom "under the radar" to suggest hidden or unnoticed operation.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be sneaky" in a sentence?

You can use "it can be sneaky" to describe something that is deceptive or not straightforward. For example, "When it comes to online scams, "it can be sneaky" how they lure you in with seemingly legitimate offers."

What can I say instead of "it can be sneaky"?

You can use alternatives like "it may be deceptive", "it could be cunning", or "it might be artful" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it can be sneaky" or "it is sneaky"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "It can be sneaky" suggests a potential for deceptiveness, while "it is sneaky" states it as a current characteristic.

What's the difference between "it can be sneaky" and "it can be subtle"?

"It can be sneaky" implies deception or trickery, while "it can be subtle" suggests a delicate or understated approach. The former carries a negative connotation of dishonesty, while the latter implies sophistication.