it is really tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is really tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that is difficult or complicated to navigate or understand. Example: "The math problem was so complex that I found it really tricky to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We're not against the notion of raising standards but the way they are trying to metricise it is really tricky".

The Guardian

"I'm not taking into account the rapport that women build by talking about and complimenting each other on their outfits, so it is really tricky and I don't know the answer to that," she said.

The Guardian

Every year, the red-carpet line-up from the Met Ball shows that while it is quite possible (with these budgets, bodies and mobile numbers) to look fabulous and also quite possible to look interesting, it is really tricky to combine the two.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is really tricky, but you have to be both unexpected and conscious of the readers' media experience," says Samantha Stuart, director of communications strategy for Venables, Bell and Partners, the ad agency that co-created the Intel ad with the Times.

Forbes

Moreover, it is really tricky to capture the material and financial aspects of SES.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's really tricky," Ms. Attenberg said.

The New York Times

"It's really tricky," Linklater responded.

The New Yorker

But it's really tricky to have your identity shattered and remade".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think as soon as you start censoring some things and not others, it's really tricky," says Greenland.

Independent

"It's really tricky, especially something where the public is involved because no name is going to be hands down better than another".

The New York Times

Terranova: It's really tricky, because you don't want to ever give a filmmaker advice on what you think they should do with a movie.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is really tricky", ensure the context is clear. Specify what exactly is tricky and why, providing sufficient detail for the reader to understand the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "it is really tricky" as a standalone statement without explaining what "it" refers to. Always provide context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity for your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is really tricky" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying an implied noun (the situation, task, etc.). It serves to express that something is difficult to handle or understand. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is really tricky" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is difficult or challenging. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability and provides examples from diverse sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media, science and wiki contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it is genuinely challenging" or "it poses significant difficulties". Always ensure to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's genuinely challenging

Replaces "really tricky" with a more formal synonym, "genuinely challenging".

it's particularly difficult

Substitutes "really tricky" with "particularly difficult", emphasizing the degree of difficulty.

it presents a genuine challenge

Changes the structure to emphasize the situation as a challenge.

it's quite a conundrum

Replaces the entire phrase with "quite a conundrum", suggesting a puzzling problem.

it poses significant difficulties

Uses a more formal and emphatic tone to highlight the difficulties involved.

it is fraught with complications

Emphasizes the presence of multiple complications.

it's no walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey that something is not easy.

it demands careful handling

Shifts focus to the need for careful management due to the complexity of the matter.

it requires a delicate touch

Suggests a subtle and sensitive approach is needed to succeed.

it's a tough nut to crack

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest a difficult problem to solve.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is really tricky" to describe a task, situation, or concept that is difficult to understand or manage. For example, "Navigating the new software system "it is really tricky" without proper training".

What phrases can I use instead of "it is really tricky"?

Alternatives to "it is really tricky" include phrases like "it is genuinely challenging", "it is particularly difficult", or "it presents a genuine challenge".

Is "it is really tricky" too informal for professional writing?

While "it is really tricky" is acceptable in many contexts, it might be considered slightly informal for very formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "it poses significant difficulties" or "it demands careful handling".

What makes something "really tricky" as opposed to just difficult?

The phrase "really tricky" suggests a higher degree of difficulty, often implying that the situation requires ingenuity, special skills, or careful navigation. It suggests that simple solutions are unlikely to work.