it would be tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or task that may be difficult or complicated to navigate. Example: "Completing the project on time will be challenging; it would be tricky to coordinate everyone's schedules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It would be tricky to standardize legislation, even across Europe.

The New York Times

But it would be tricky to find a fair sample.

The Economist

It would be tricky to accomplish that in New York.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Clement had a 20-year start, so it would be tricky".

The Guardian

It would be tricky for Starbucks to sell coffee to the UK public from Monaco.

The Guardian - Opinion

A technology giant like Microsoft or Google could be a good fit, he said, but it would be tricky.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

But they said it would be trickier to get around a Supreme Court precedent that governs when people must get initial hearings before a judge in cases in which the police have arrested someone without a warrant.

The New York Times

Replacing egg yolks seemed like it would be trickier than whole eggs, but the only advice I found was the same flax-seed/water combo.

Huffington Post

Obviously I'd take him, but it'd be tricky.

The Guardian - Sport

Eleven months on, it'd be tricky for Theresa May to offer the president-elect a state visit by Skype alone. .

Vice

From that point forward -- and little did the Jets know it -- there would be tricky obstacles strewn their way that, collectively, could have swallowed them.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it would be tricky", consider adding a brief explanation of why it's tricky. This provides context and avoids leaving the listener or reader wondering about the specific challenges involved.

Common error

While "it would be tricky" can be effective, avoid using it excessively to describe significant challenges. Over-reliance on understatement can diminish the perceived importance of the difficulty and make you seem dismissive or out of touch. Choose stronger language when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be tricky" functions as an evaluative expression, assessing the degree of difficulty associated with a particular task or situation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English, see the examples extracted from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it would be tricky" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for acknowledging potential difficulties with a moderate degree of emphasis. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When using the phrase, consider adding context to the difficulty and avoid overuse in scenarios that demand a stronger expression of concern. Consider alternatives like "it might be difficult" or "it could be challenging" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be difficult

Emphasizes the potential for difficulty, focusing on the possibility rather than certainty.

it could be challenging

Highlights the demanding nature of the task or situation.

it may prove problematic

Suggests a higher likelihood of issues or complications arising.

it presents certain difficulties

Focuses on the inherent obstacles and complexities involved.

it is no easy task

Underlines the laboriousness and demanding nature of the task.

it won't be a walk in the park

An idiomatic expression implying that the task is far from simple and will require effort.

it is fraught with challenges

Emphasizes that the situation is filled with potential obstacles and difficulties.

it requires careful navigation

Indicates that careful planning and execution are necessary to avoid problems.

it's not a straightforward process

Highlights the complexity and potential for deviations from a direct path.

it will require some finesse

Suggests that the situation demands skill and delicacy to handle effectively.

FAQs

What does "it would be tricky" mean?

The phrase "it would be tricky" means something will likely be difficult or complicated, but not necessarily impossible. It's a way of acknowledging a challenge without overstating it.

What are some alternatives to "it would be tricky"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it might be difficult", "it could be challenging", or "it may prove problematic". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of difficulty you want to convey.

Is "it would be tricky" formal or informal?

"It would be tricky" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. It's suitable for both professional and informal settings, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

How can I use "it would be tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "it would be tricky" to describe any task or situation that presents a challenge. For example, "Implementing the new software system would be tricky, given the limited resources available."