it was very tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that was difficult or complicated to navigate or understand. Example: "The puzzle was challenging, and I must admit, it was very tricky to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It was very tricky".

The New Yorker

"In the beginning it was very tricky work.

Independent

"It was very tricky, and it almost broke it apart," Mr. Kerry said.

The New York Times

But, no one mentioned that the stuff would cling to her coat, and it was very tricky getting it off.

The New York Times

"And, having had them, it was very tricky to make a stab and come back," she says.

The Guardian

"But figuring out how to withdraw it was very tricky," he told me, "since withdrawal would frighten everyone who relied on the opinions in a very sensitive area".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It's very tricky.

The New York Times - Books

"So it's very tricky.

The New York Times - Arts

"But it's very tricky.

The New York Times

It's very tricky to sort everything out".

The Guardian - Business

"It's very tricky to manage something like that," Ms. Porter added.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was very tricky" to describe situations where a solution is not immediately obvious and requires careful consideration or skillful execution. For instance, "Navigating the legal jargon was very tricky, requiring the assistance of a lawyer."

Common error

While "it was very tricky" is acceptable, overuse of "very" can weaken your writing. Consider stronger, more precise adjectives to convey the difficulty, such as "it was challenging", "it was intricate", or "it was delicate" depending on the specific nuance you intend to communicate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very tricky" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a situation or task as difficult or complicated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was very tricky" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe something difficult or complex. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various domains, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for many situations, writers should consider more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts and avoid overusing "very" to maintain impactful writing. The phrase's neutral tone makes it versatile, but understanding its nuances and potential substitutes can elevate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite challenging

Replaces "very tricky" with "quite challenging", suggesting a difficult but potentially rewarding experience.

it wasn't straightforward

Emphasizes the lack of simplicity or directness in the process.

it proved to be difficult

Emphasizes the outcome of a situation being challenging, shifting the focus to the result.

it was a delicate situation

Suggests the need for sensitivity and caution to avoid negative consequences.

it required careful maneuvering

Highlights the need for skillful handling and strategic action.

it involved intricate steps

Highlights the complexity and detailed nature of the task.

it demanded precision

Focuses on the necessity of accuracy and exactness in execution.

it posed a considerable problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect of the situation.

it presented significant hurdles

Indicates the presence of obstacles that needed to be overcome.

it called for ingenuity

Highlights the need for creativity and inventiveness to succeed.

FAQs

What does "it was very tricky" mean?

The phrase "it was very tricky" means that something was difficult to deal with, solve, or navigate. It implies that the situation required careful handling and a certain amount of skill or ingenuity to overcome.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was quite challenging", "it proved to be difficult", or "it required careful maneuvering" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was very tricky" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was very tricky" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "it demanded precision" or "it posed a considerable problem".

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

You can use "it was very tricky" to describe a task, situation, or problem that was difficult to handle: "Navigating the negotiations "it was very tricky", but we managed to reach an agreement." or "Disarming the bomb "it was very tricky" and required expert knowledge."