just tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat difficult or complicated, but not overwhelmingly so. Example: "The puzzle was just tricky enough to keep me engaged without being frustrating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's just tricky.

The New York Times

"It's just tricky to run them all," Albright said.

The New Yorker

In fact it's not just tricky – it's downright unfair.

The Guardian

The cameras were heavy, the darkrooms cramped, and the chemicals not just tricky but toxic.

Princeton University

It's the alcohol, of course, which makes wine not just tricky but potentially hazardous.

The New York Times - Food

"It was just tricky, but I felt like I played really well.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Measuring suicide is just too tricky.

The New Yorker

Yet that's just as tricky.

The New Yorker

"Sorry about this, just a tricky corner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But splitting up could prove just as tricky as merging.

The New York Times

Asking about her other work proves just as tricky.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just tricky" when you want to downplay the difficulty of something, suggesting it requires a bit of finesse but isn't insurmountable. This is particularly useful when giving encouragement or setting expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "just tricky" in formal or academic writing. While understandable, it's often too casual. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "moderately complex" or "somewhat challenging".

Linguistic Context

Adjectival modifier: "Just tricky" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe a quality of being moderately difficult or complex. Ludwig's examples show it describing tasks, situations, and even personalities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just tricky" is a commonly used adjectival phrase that describes something as moderately difficult or complex. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources, with some presence in academic writing. While broadly acceptable, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "moderately challenging" in professional settings. The phrase serves to both describe and evaluate a situation, implying a need for skill while downplaying the overall difficulty, as seen in many of Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat challenging

Emphasizes the degree of difficulty as being moderate.

a bit complex

Focuses on the intricate nature of the situation.

moderately difficult

Directly states the level of difficulty.

slightly complicated

Highlights the entanglement or complexity involved.

not entirely straightforward

Indicates a lack of simplicity and potential for confusion.

reasonably challenging

Suggests a manageable level of difficulty.

somewhat problematic

Shifts focus to the potential issues or problems.

a little intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and complex nature.

mildly complex

Suggests the complexity is present but not overwhelming.

kind of involved

Indicates a level of engagement and complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "just tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "just tricky" to describe something that requires some skill or care but isn't overly difficult. For example, "The puzzle was "just tricky" enough to keep me entertained for a while."

What's a more formal alternative to "just tricky"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "moderately challenging", "somewhat complex", or "requires careful consideration" instead of "just tricky".

Is "just tricky" appropriate for professional communication?

While "just tricky" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as too informal in some professional settings. Assess your audience and the context to determine if a more formal alternative would be better suited.

Which is correct, "just tricky" or "only tricky"?

"Just tricky" is generally used to mean 'slightly difficult' or 'moderately challenging'. "Only tricky" can imply that the trickiness is the sole aspect to consider, but it's less common than "just tricky".