it was pretty tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was pretty tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that was challenging or difficult to navigate. Example: "The puzzle was fun, but it was pretty tricky to solve without any hints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It was pretty tricky: two good friends but when you get into the business or the professional side of life it makes friendship a bit tricky.

The Guardian - Sport

Obviously it was pretty tricky early on and quite tough all the way through.

BBC

It was pretty tricky conditions all week so we're really pleased to be on the top of the podium after a couple [of events] where we haven't been".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it's pretty tricky.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's pretty tricky here.

BBC

It is pretty tricky to put a net benefit on that.

BBC

It's pretty tricky to do this on the public Internet, but we do have some tricks left".

Forbes

It's not a federal thing, so it's pretty tricky.

TechCrunch

If you are living quarter to quarter, it's pretty tricky.

TechCrunch

We've put some of our best men on the job but as yet we're unable to complete the game, because, actually, it's pretty tricky.

Vice

To go from 5% to 20%, which you really need to make it economically viable, that was pretty tricky, and quite frankly, there's a lot of opportunities for us in other areas.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was pretty tricky" to convey a situation that required careful handling or problem-solving skills. This phrase is suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts where a less intense expression of difficulty is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "it was pretty tricky" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "it presented considerable challenges" or "it required meticulous attention" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was pretty tricky" functions as a subjective assessment of difficulty. It's used to describe a task, situation, or process as moderately challenging, requiring some skill or careful navigation. As per Ludwig, it is indeed correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was pretty tricky" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something was moderately difficult. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable. While versatile, it's most appropriate for informal contexts and should be replaced with more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. Its usage spans across various domains like news, wiki and science, indicating broad applicability in expressing a balanced level of challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite challenging

Replaces "pretty tricky" with a more formal synonym for difficult.

it was rather difficult

Emphasizes the difficulty level using "rather" instead of "pretty".

it proved to be problematic

Shifts the focus to the resulting problems from the task's difficulty.

it presented some difficulties

Highlights the presence of difficulties during the process.

it wasn't exactly straightforward

Uses understatement to indicate it was not simple.

it required careful navigation

Indicates a need for careful maneuvering through a situation.

it demanded considerable effort

Focuses on the amount of effort required.

it involved some complex steps

Highlights the complexity of the individual steps.

it posed a significant hurdle

Presents it as an obstacle that needed to be overcome.

it wasn't a walk in the park

Uses an idiom to express that it was not easy.

FAQs

What does "it was pretty tricky" mean?

The phrase "it was pretty tricky" means that something was moderately difficult or challenging. It implies that some skill or care was needed to handle the situation successfully.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was quite challenging", "it was rather difficult", or "it presented some difficulties" depending on the context.

Is "it was pretty tricky" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was pretty tricky" might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using phrases like "it posed a significant hurdle" or "it demanded considerable effort" in more formal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "it was pretty tricky"?

"It was pretty tricky" is suitable for everyday conversations, informal emails, or when describing a moderately challenging task in a relaxed setting. It conveys a sense of difficulty without being overly dramatic.