it remains tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it remains tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or problem that continues to be difficult or complicated despite efforts to resolve it. Example: "Although we've made progress, it remains tricky to find a solution that satisfies everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Graphene is not good at controlling or switching electric current, so making faster computers with it remains tricky.

The Economist

Because experimental data yield networks whose topologies do not necessarily agree with the frequently discussed archetypical networks (e.g., lattices, small-world with a certain rewiring probability, or fully random networks), it remains tricky to estimate how graph measures are influenced by changes in N and k for the empirical network.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Creating carbon sinks While the creation of a carbon sink could help with the emissions situation, this part of the INDC remains tricky and most experts feel it won't really work.

The Guardian

But getting legislation passed remains tricky, especially in the Republican-controlled House, and Mr. Obama has made it clear he will take a back seat to lawmakers if it will help.

The New York Times

But it is difficult to use this method to see very distant dark matter, and cold ordinary matter remains tricky to detect as well.

BBC

(Hair remains tricky).

The New York Times

Making real moving holograms, though, remains tricky.

The Economist

Cultural communication with "the Orient" remains tricky.

The Economist

But even there politics remains tricky.

The Economist

Translating that into revenues remains tricky, however.

The Guardian

Drafting intellectual-property deals that protect inventors and spur collaboration remains tricky.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it remains tricky" to acknowledge ongoing difficulties despite efforts to resolve them. It's particularly effective when introducing a caveat or reservation after outlining progress.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessively using "it remains tricky" in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's still hard" or "it's not easy" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remains tricky" functions as a comment or assessment on an ongoing situation. It typically follows a statement of progress or an attempt at resolution, indicating that despite those efforts, a core difficulty persists. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it remains tricky" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that a situation continues to be challenging despite efforts to resolve it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly usable in written English. While appropriate for various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific writing, signaling ongoing difficulties and tempering expectations. Alternatives like "it's still challenging" or "the difficulty persists" can be used for variety, but "it remains tricky" provides a nuanced way to acknowledge persistent complexity. While versatile, overuse in informal settings might sound somewhat stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's still challenging

Replaces "remains tricky" with "still challenging", emphasizing the ongoing difficulty.

the difficulty persists

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal and direct statement about persisting difficulty.

it's proving difficult

Shifts the emphasis to the ongoing process of encountering difficulty.

the problem endures

Focuses on the endurance of the problem rather than the trickiness of it.

it continues to be problematic

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting the problematic nature of the situation.

the challenge continues

Highlights the ongoing nature of the challenge.

it's a tough proposition

Frames the situation as a difficult undertaking.

it presents ongoing difficulties

Emphasizes the difficulties that the situation continues to present.

solving it is still problematic

Specifically targets the act of "solving" rather than general situation, maintaining a problematic tone.

overcoming it remains a struggle

Focuses on overcoming, implying a fight or effort is still needed.

FAQs

What does "it remains tricky" mean?

The phrase "it remains tricky" means that something continues to be difficult or complicated, even after attempts to simplify or resolve it. It suggests that the problem or situation hasn't been fully addressed and still requires careful handling.

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

You can use alternatives like "it's still challenging", "the difficulty persists", or "it's proving difficult" depending on the context.

Is "it remains tricky" formal or informal?

"It remains tricky" sits in a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

How do I use "it remains tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "it remains tricky" to acknowledge a continuing difficulty. For example, "Although we've made progress, "it remains tricky" to find a solution that satisfies everyone involved."