it looks tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looks tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be difficult or complicated. Example: "This math problem looks tricky; I might need some help to solve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Whether or not that long term vision is realistic, for now it looks tricky.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It might point out that in Fig. 4 the plot c (5 mM) looks tricky in comparison with others.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

However, this looks tricky.

The Economist

But the future still looks tricky.

The Economist

On the face of things, that looks tricky.

The Economist

On paper, thanks to Kasich's victory in Ohio, a winner-take-all state with sixty-six delegathe, thelectoralal math still looks tricky for Trump.

The New Yorker

Even Mr Wenning's plan for a partnership in which Bayer has a majority stake looks tricky.So Bayer is instead looking at smaller fry that will not bring the revenues or resources to solve its problems, but will at least buy the company breathing-space with investors.

The Economist

On paper this looks tricky.

BBC

United's fixture list is not particularly kind - an away trip to Tottenham on Sunday 28 December looks tricky - but two of the three teams below them could take points off each other.

BBC

It looks a tricky course, with distant fairways and lightning-quick greens.

The Economist

But Mr Juppé's case looks trickier.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it looks tricky" when you want to convey that a task or situation appears difficult based on initial observation.

Common error

Avoid using "it looks tricky" if you have a thorough understanding of the situation and know it's not actually difficult. Use more precise language to describe the actual challenge instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks tricky" primarily functions as an observation or assessment of a situation. It suggests a preliminary judgment that something appears to be difficult or complicated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it looks tricky" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something appears difficult or complicated at first glance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used in News & Media contexts, as well as Science and Wiki. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the setting; alternatives like "it seems challenging" may be more appropriate for formal writing. Avoid using "it looks tricky" if you possess in-depth knowledge that contradicts the initial impression of difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems challenging

Focuses on the difficulty or demanding nature of the situation.

it appears difficult

Emphasizes the perceived difficulty based on available information.

it presents challenges

Highlights the existence of obstacles or problems.

it poses difficulties

Similar to 'presents challenges' but emphasizes the potential for problems.

it could be problematic

Focuses on the potential negative outcomes or issues.

it seems complicated

Highlights the complex nature of the situation.

it looks complicated

Similar to 'it seems complicated' but based on visual assessment.

it might be tough

Expresses a casual assessment of potential difficulty.

it doesn't look easy

Highlights the lack of apparent simplicity.

it is not straightforward

Emphasizes the absence of a simple or direct path.

FAQs

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

You can use "it looks tricky" to express that something seems difficult or complicated at first glance. For example, "Solving this equation /s/looks+tricky, but I'll give it a try."

What are some alternatives to "it looks tricky"?

You can use alternatives such as "it seems challenging", "it appears difficult", or "it presents challenges" depending on the context.

Is "it looks tricky" formal or informal?

"It looks tricky" is generally considered informal and is suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it presents challenges".

What does "it looks tricky" mean?

"It looks tricky" means that something appears to be difficult, complicated, or potentially problematic based on initial observation. It suggests that careful handling or expertise may be required.