it sounds tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be complicated or difficult to understand or accomplish. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture are quite detailed, and honestly, it sounds tricky."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If it sounds tricky, Mosley and his following insist that it is only "the least bit painful" -- and the results are their own encouragement.

Huffington Post

It sounds tricky, but figuring out when to start responding is a crucial step.

WikiHow

I know it sounds tricky, but just let it pop a little.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This one sounds tricky and it is, central to this is that consciousness is not singular (as in a single entity) but many processes occurring simultaneously.

WikiHow

Sounds tricky, but its actually the easiest step in the entire chain.

BBC

Sounds tricky.

The Guardian

The CrossBlue's all-wheel drive setup sounds tricky, but intriguing.

The New York Times

If that sounds tricky, you try straining a sinew in heels.

The New Yorker

If this kind of tinkering sounds tricky, there's no need to re-invent the wheel, or the saw blade, for that matter.

The New York Times - Tech

The image matching between MODIS (1 km) and CHM (0.5 m) sounds tricky.

Forest Ecosystems

The actual act of cleaning the office and removing the smell completely, sounds tricky.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds tricky" to express a preliminary assessment of difficulty, often before attempting the task. It's suitable when you want to acknowledge the potential for complications without dismissing the possibility of success.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "it sounds tricky" might come across as unprofessional in formal writing. Opt for more precise language, such as "it presents significant challenges" or "it requires careful consideration", to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds tricky" primarily functions as an evaluative expression, offering a preliminary assessment of a situation or task. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in conveying potential difficulty. It serves to acknowledge possible complications without definitively dismissing success.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sounds tricky" serves as an initial expression of potential difficulty or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, often appearing in informal contexts such as online articles and blog posts. However, it may not be suitable for formal writing, where more precise language is preferred. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "it seems challenging" or "it may prove complex" to better suit the tone and register of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be easier said than done

Indicates that something may seem simple but is actually more difficult.

it seems challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the task or situation.

it appears complicated

Highlights the intricate and potentially confusing nature of something.

it presents difficulties

Focuses on the problems or obstacles that may arise.

that promises to be complex

Implies difficulty of understanding or solving something.

it looks problematic

Suggests potential issues or negative outcomes.

it seems like a tall order

Implies that something is ambitious and difficult to achieve.

that looks like a handful

Highlights the potential for something to be difficult to manage.

it suggests complexity

Highlights the multifaceted nature of the subject matter.

it has potential pitfalls

Warns of possible hidden dangers or setbacks.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it sounds tricky" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it presents significant challenges", "it requires careful consideration", or "it may prove complex".

Is "it sounds tricky" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it sounds tricky" might be too informal for most academic writing. Strive for more precise and objective language.

What does "it sounds tricky" mean?

The phrase "it sounds tricky" means something appears to be difficult, complicated, or potentially problematic.

Which is correct: "it sounds tricky" or "that sounds tricky"?

Both "it sounds tricky" and "that sounds tricky" are grammatically correct, and the choice depends on what "it" or "that" refers to. "It" is used when referring to something already mentioned, while "that" can refer to something more distant or general.