it is tricky to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is tricky to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or task that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "It is tricky to balance work and personal life, especially during busy seasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

But it is tricky to protect against every possible assault.

MIT Technology Review

It is tricky to tell which area is "bought".

The Guardian - Travel

It is tricky to have it both ways.

The New York Times

But it is tricky to deploy at the exact time depending on the situations.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

I love millet but it is tricky to cook; it can easily turn to mush.

The New York Times - Health

It is tricky to know where it would sit most comfortably".

The New Yorker

It is tricky to write about an event such as this.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's tricky to say.

The Guardian

It's tricky to pull it off.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is tricky to" when you want to convey that something requires careful handling and a degree of skill, especially when directness might seem too harsh. For example, "It is tricky to balance direct feedback with maintaining team morale."

Common error

While "it is tricky to" is acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound less authoritative. In formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "it is challenging to" or "it is difficult to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is tricky to" functions as an introductory expression that sets the stage for explaining the difficulty or complexity associated with a particular action or situation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in English for this purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is tricky to" serves as a versatile expression for conveying a degree of difficulty, requiring careful navigation or skillful execution. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse sources like news, science, and academic contexts. While suitable for general use, writers should be mindful of the context, opting for more formal alternatives like "it is challenging to" or "it is difficult to" in highly formal settings. Overusing "it is tricky to" can dilute authority in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is challenging to

Focuses on the stimulating and demanding nature of the task.

it is difficult to

Emphasizes the labor and effort required.

it is hard to

A more direct and less formal way of expressing difficulty.

it is complex to

Highlights the intricate nature of the subject.

it is complicated to

Suggests a state of entanglement or confusion.

it is problematic to

Indicates the presence of potential issues or obstacles.

it is tough to

Implies resilience and strength are needed.

it is delicate to

Highlights the need for careful handling.

it is demanding to

Stresses the high requirements of the task.

it is intricate to

Underscores the detailed and elaborate nature of the process.

FAQs

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

Use "it is tricky to" to introduce a challenge or difficulty associated with a task or situation. For example, "It is tricky to manage expectations when project scopes change unexpectedly."

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

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

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

While generally acceptable, "it is tricky to" might be perceived as less formal. In academic writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "it is complex to" or "it is problematic to" to maintain a more scholarly tone.

What does "it is tricky to" imply?

"It is tricky to" implies that a situation or task requires careful handling, skill, or tact to achieve a successful outcome. It suggests a nuanced approach is needed rather than a straightforward solution.