it was extremely tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was extremely tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that was very difficult or complicated. Example: "The puzzle was so challenging that it was extremely tricky to solve without any hints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, it is extremely tricky to isolate the impact of changes in fiscal policy.

The Economist

The problem is that it's extremely tricky to delineate what "getting high" actually means which is to say whether a substance is actually "psychoactive".

Vice

So there you have it - a genuine world-class XI in my opinion but one that was extremely tricky to put together.

BBC

Ensure your flambé isn't a damp squib It can be extremely tricky to flambé a pudding, such as roasted bananas and rum, or pear in brandy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Courting them is extremely tricky.

The New York Times

Executing the policy, however, has been extremely tricky.

The New York Times - Magazine

This will be extremely tricky to get right.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue is extremely tricky for the coalition.

The Guardian

And regulation of that kind is extremely tricky to draw up.

The New York Times

"I understand the spirit but I think the implementation could be extremely tricky," Dr. Breneman said.

The New York Times

New construction presents its own hurdles; threading one's way through often-complicated architectural drawings can be extremely tricky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was extremely tricky" to describe situations where the difficulty arises from nuanced complexities rather than sheer brute force or obvious obstacles.

Common error

While "it was extremely tricky" is acceptable, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it presented significant challenges" or "it proved highly complex" to maintain reader engagement and add depth to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was extremely tricky" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a past event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically modifies an implied or stated noun, providing further information about its nature.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was extremely tricky" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a challenging or complex situation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While versatile, it's beneficial to consider more formal alternatives like "it presented significant challenges" in certain contexts to enhance precision and maintain reader engagement. The phrase appears most frequently in news media and general discussions, reflecting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was incredibly difficult

Focuses on the high level of difficulty encountered.

it was fraught with complications

Emphasizes the presence of numerous complicating factors.

it presented significant challenges

Highlights the challenges involved, shifting the focus from 'tricky' to 'challenging'.

it posed a tough problem

Frames the situation as a problem requiring a solution, underscoring the difficulty.

it proved highly complex

Emphasizes the complexity of the situation, offering a more formal tone.

it involved a delicate process

Focuses on the sensitivity and precision needed.

it required considerable skill

Highlights the skill needed to handle the situation, emphasizing the expertise involved.

it necessitated meticulous attention

Highlights the need for detailed and careful attention.

it demanded careful handling

Stresses the need for caution and precision in dealing with the situation.

it wasn't a walk in the park

Uses an idiom to convey the difficulty, adding a touch of informality.

FAQs

How can I use "it was extremely tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "it was extremely tricky" to describe a task, situation, or problem that was very difficult to handle. For example, "Navigating the legal jargon was extremely tricky, requiring expert assistance."

What can I say instead of "it was extremely tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "it presented significant challenges", "it proved highly complex", or "it was incredibly difficult" depending on the context.

Is "it was extremely tricky" too informal for academic writing?

While acceptable, "it was extremely tricky" might be considered slightly informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it presented significant challenges" or "it demanded careful handling" to maintain a professional tone.

What makes a situation "extremely tricky"?

A situation is "extremely tricky" when it involves subtle complexities, hidden obstacles, or requires a high degree of finesse and precision to navigate successfully. It suggests more than just difficulty; it implies a need for careful and strategic maneuvering.