it has proved tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has proved tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that has turned out to be more difficult or complicated than initially expected. Example: "The project was supposed to be straightforward, but it has proved tricky due to unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Finding this flat and keeping it has proved tricky.

The New York Times

Legalizing gay marriage — "marriage for all" — was a campaign promise by President François Hollande, a Socialist, but it has proved tricky and divisive in France, which is a secular republic but remains an essentially Roman Catholic country where few go to church.

The New York Times

(It has proved tricky to produce batches of tubes consisting exclusively of either sort).To align their tubes, Dr Shulaker and his team grew them on strips of quartz, the crystal structure of which left 99.5% of them pointing in the right direction.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, until now it has proved trickier for the travel business as it involves collating frequently changing data from many airlines and hotels.Gorilla marketingEven with help from such marketing tricks, the smaller OTAs will find it increasingly hard to compete with the big two.

The Economist

This is proving true for video; for music, it has proven trickier.

The Economist

Age verification has proved tricky for sites like Facebook, but it may be about to get easier.

BBC

Mastering French political code has proved tricky.

The Economist

Operating a refinery has proved tricky.

The New York Times

So far this has proved tricky.

The Economist

But even local relocation has proved tricky.

The New York Times

Yet finding a new payment model has proved tricky.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has proved tricky", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it has proved tricky" when the situation is extremely difficult or nearly impossible. The phrase suggests a manageable level of difficulty, not an insurmountable obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has proved tricky" functions as a comment on a situation or task. It indicates that something initially expected to be simple has turned out to be more complicated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has proved tricky" is a phrase used to describe situations that have become unexpectedly difficult. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is correct and usable in English, though its frequency is rare. It's primarily found in news and media, with some usage in scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what "it" refers to and be mindful that its connotations imply that the complexity is manageable and not a lost cause. Consider alternatives like "it has been challenging" or "it has turned out to be difficult" for increased clarity or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been challenging

This alternative replaces "proved tricky" with "been challenging", focusing on the demanding nature of the situation.

it has turned out to be difficult

This alternative uses a more explicit description, replacing "proved tricky" with "turned out to be difficult".

it has become problematic

This alternative emphasizes the emergence of problems, indicating a shift from simple difficulty to actual issues.

it has presented difficulties

This alternative highlights that difficulties have arisen, shifting the focus to the difficulties themselves.

it has posed a challenge

This alternative uses a more concise expression, replacing "proved tricky" with "posed a challenge".

it has not been easy

This alternative offers a simpler, more direct way of saying something is difficult.

it has required extra effort

This alternative focuses on the increased effort required, highlighting the work involved.

it has demanded ingenuity

This alternative suggests that cleverness or innovation was needed to overcome the difficulties.

it has tested our skills

This alternative emphasizes the phrase's testing, trying or difficult nature.

it has strained resources

This alternative emphasizes that the task, or situation, proved difficult and may have overstretched resources.

FAQs

What does "it has proved tricky" mean?

The phrase "it has proved tricky" means that something initially thought to be straightforward has turned out to be more difficult or complicated than expected.

What can I say instead of "it has proved tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "it has been challenging", "it has turned out to be difficult", or "it has become problematic" depending on the context.

Is "it has proved tricky" formal or informal?

The phrase "it has proved tricky" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it may be more common in less formal settings.

How can I use "it has proved tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "it has proved tricky" to describe a task or situation that has become unexpectedly difficult. For example, "Legalizing gay marriage was a campaign promise, but "it has proved tricky" and divisive."