it can be tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or task that may be difficult or complicated to navigate. Example: "Understanding the new software can be tricky for those who are not tech-savvy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be tricky to remember that Justin Bieber is a real human being.

Independent

Even so, it can be tricky.

The Economist

But it can be tricky sometimes.

The Guardian - Film

But getting enough of it can be tricky.

The New York Times - Health

But it can be tricky to keep up with terminology.

The Guardian

It can be tricky getting around in the winter.

The Guardian

It can be tricky to retain the pitch.

The Guardian

It can be tricky writing about family, especially in this context.

The New York Times

It can be tricky, but he's handled everything so well this year".

The New York Times - Sports

"It can be tricky, but in the end that's what makes it work".

The New York Times

Sometimes it can be tricky to come up with an appropriate response to such momentous events.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be tricky", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. 'Tricky' implies a need for careful maneuvering or clever solutions, so ensure your context aligns with this meaning. If you mean simply 'difficult', a more direct word might be better.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "it can be tricky". While grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it can be challenging", "it can be difficult", or more specific terms depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be tricky" functions as a comment or observation about a particular situation or task. It suggests that the subject under discussion is not straightforward and requires careful handling or a degree of skill. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its correct and varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be tricky" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a task or situation is not straightforward and requires care or skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts and mostly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. While correct, overuse can be avoided by employing synonyms like "it can be challenging" or "it can be difficult" for variety. Remember to use it when you want to imply a need for careful maneuvering or clever solutions, ensuring the context aligns with this meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be challenging

Replaces 'tricky' with 'challenging', suggesting a difficult but potentially rewarding situation.

it can be difficult

Uses 'difficult' instead of 'tricky', providing a more straightforward synonym.

it can be complicated

Substitutes 'tricky' with 'complicated', highlighting the intricate nature of the situation.

it can be problematic

Replaces 'tricky' with 'problematic', suggesting potential issues or obstacles.

it can be delicate

Uses 'delicate' instead of 'tricky', emphasizing the need for careful handling.

it can be tough

Substitutes 'tricky' with 'tough', conveying a sense of difficulty and resilience required.

it can be intricate

Replaces 'tricky' with 'intricate', highlighting the complex and detailed nature of the task.

it can be arduous

Uses 'arduous' instead of 'tricky', suggesting a laborious and demanding undertaking.

it can be demanding

Replaces 'tricky' with 'demanding', focusing on the high level of effort required.

it can be precarious

Uses 'precarious' instead of 'tricky', emphasizing the instability or risk involved.

FAQs

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

Use "it can be tricky" to describe a situation or task that requires careful handling or clever solutions. For example, "Navigating the legal system "it can be tricky" without professional help."

What's a more formal alternative to "it can be tricky"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it can be challenging" or "it can be problematic". These alternatives provide a similar meaning while sounding more professional. For example, instead of "Negotiating the contract "it can be tricky"", try "Negotiating the contract can be challenging".

Is "it can be tricky" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it can be tricky" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

What's the difference between "it can be tricky" and "it can be difficult"?

While both phrases indicate a level of challenge, "it can be tricky" often implies that the difficulty arises from the need for cleverness or careful maneuvering. "It can be difficult" is a more general statement of hardship. Consider which nuance best fits your context when choosing between the two.