it is certainly tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is certainly tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "The puzzle is quite challenging; it is certainly tricky to solve without any hints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is certainly tricky to see the legal route that would allow a non-EU club within the club to start using the European Commission, European Parliament, European Court of Justice as regulatory battering rams against Fortress Britain.Mr Osborne is also right that he will be invited to monthly gatherings of EU finance ministers, despite what happened on Thursday.

The Economist

The excuse for its inaction so far has been that there are not many female candidates suitable for a company like Glencore – and it is certainly tricky to name many women who can boast a CV comparable to those of the current directors, who have presided over a 38% decline in share price and a £5bn writedown.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's certainly tricky to try and explain what Romanian techno sounds like.

Vice

"We have to go to people and say, 'The fundamentals of how this operates makes it everything but a scooter".' For starters, it's certainly trickier to learn.

The New York Times

So quantification of this 'mysterious muscle' is certainly trickier than the average fitness measure.

TechCrunch

The ethical issues alone are certainly tricky, but by identifying the male eggs early, eggXYt gives the hatcheries more time to work out a solution to make use of the nearly 6 billion male eggs that are wasted annually by existing processes.

TechCrunch

It is certainly a bit tricky.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Historical analogy is tricky, but it is certainly true that India today broadly resembles the earlier American experience, both in the rapidity of economic growth and the structural transformation from an agrarian to a modern economy, and the accumulation of staggering fortunes, often through illicit means, with the attendant widening gaps between rich and poor.

The New York Times

It's certainly a tricky balancing act for this VW to pull off as the car has to be both parsimonious and powerful.

The Guardian - Tech

It's certainly a tricky one to assess.

TechCrunch

While it's certainly not impossible to use a restorative justice model for those crimes, it's trickier territory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is certainly tricky" to acknowledge the complexity of a situation, but follow it with a clear explanation of why it's difficult and what potential solutions might exist. This shows awareness and proactive thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "it is certainly tricky" as a standalone statement without explaining why something is tricky. Provide specific details to make your statement more informative and helpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is certainly tricky" functions as an evaluative statement, acknowledging a degree of difficulty or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it being used to describe legal routes, balancing acts, and even explaining Romanian techno.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is certainly tricky" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey that something is difficult or complex. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, highlights its versatility. While appropriate for many situations, it's crucial to provide context and avoid overusing it without explaining the specific challenges involved. Alternatives like "it is undoubtedly challenging" or "it is clearly difficult" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. Keep in mind the level of formality, as more formal contexts might benefit from words like "complex" or "intricate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is clearly difficult

A more straightforward way of expressing the same idea, emphasizing the degree of difficulty.

it is undoubtedly challenging

Emphasizes the challenge involved, highlighting a difficult but potentially rewarding aspect.

it poses considerable challenges

Similar to the first alternative, but with a slightly more formal tone.

it is undeniably complex

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the subject.

it is definitely problematic

Highlights the potential issues and difficulties that may arise.

it presents significant hurdles

Highlights the obstacles that must be overcome.

it is assuredly intricate

Stresses the fine details and complex interrelations involved.

it requires careful navigation

Suggests that the situation needs to be handled with caution and skill.

it is unquestionably demanding

Focuses on the high level of effort and skill required.

it's a tough nut to crack

An idiomatic expression that conveys the difficulty of solving a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "it is certainly tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "it is certainly tricky" to acknowledge a difficult or complex aspect of a situation. For example, "Navigating the new tax laws "it is certainly tricky", so seeking professional advice is recommended."

What are some alternatives to "it is certainly tricky"?

Some alternatives include "it is undoubtedly challenging", "it is clearly difficult", or "it poses considerable challenges".

Is "it is certainly tricky" formal or informal?

"It is certainly tricky" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "it is undeniably complex".

When should I avoid using "it is certainly tricky"?

Avoid using "it is certainly tricky" when you need to express extreme difficulty or impossibility. In such cases, phrases like "it is insurmountable" or "it is unachievable" might be more appropriate.