it is tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is 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 instructions for assembling the furniture are not clear, and it is tricky to figure out how to put everything together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is tricky.

Independent

Defining it is tricky.

The Economist

It is tricky work.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is tricky.

The New York Times

Still, it is tricky.

The Guardian - Film

PB: It is tricky, yes.

The Guardian - Books

"It is tricky," he qualifies.

The Guardian - Film

"It is tricky," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

For the candidates themselves, it is tricky business.

The New York Times

It is tricky to do repairs in this terrain.

The Economist

It is tricky to calculate how many flammies to order.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is tricky" to convey a situation that requires careful navigation or a task that demands skill and precision.

Common error

While "it is tricky" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "challenging", "complex", or "requires careful consideration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is tricky" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject (often an implied 'it') to describe its quality of being difficult or requiring careful handling. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is tricky" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is difficult or requires careful handling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and very common across a range of contexts, especially in news and media. While suitable for general use, remember to consider more formal alternatives like "challenging" or "complex" in academic or professional settings. Always use "it is tricky" when you want to immediately convey a sense of careful navigation or skill is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is challenging

Replaces "tricky" with a synonym that emphasizes the demanding nature of the task.

it is difficult

Substitutes "tricky" with a more general term indicating a lack of ease.

it is complicated

Replaces "tricky" with a term that highlights the complexity of the situation.

it is delicate

Suggests a situation that requires careful handling to avoid problems.

it is problematic

Highlights that the situation poses certain problems or difficulties.

it is complex

Similar to 'complicated', but emphasizes the multiple interconnected parts.

it is sensitive

Implies that caution is needed due to potential negative reactions.

it is intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the difficulty.

it is awkward

Suggests the situation is difficult to manage smoothly or gracefully.

it is thorny

Replaces tricky with a metaphor suggesting sharp difficulties or challenges.

FAQs

What does "it is tricky" mean?

"It is tricky" means something is difficult, complicated, or requires careful handling. It implies a need for skill or caution to avoid problems.

What can I say instead of "it is tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "it is challenging", "it is difficult", or "it is complicated" depending on the context.

Is "it is tricky" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "it is tricky" might be perceived as slightly informal for academic writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "complex", "challenging", or "requires careful analysis".

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

You can use "it is tricky" to describe a task, situation, or concept that is not straightforward. For example, "It is tricky to balance work and personal life".