making it tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making it tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "The lack of clear instructions is making it tricky for the team to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Not only does the EOS project inflate the numbers, but it also continuously offloaded Ethereum during its year-long token sale making it tricky to track value.

TechCrunch

Cantor Fitzgerald strategist Stephen Pope said that Schering-Plough was also vulnerable to consolidation because of its relatively high credit default spreads, making it tricky for the company to raise financing.

Forbes

It would be hard to shut because a big chunk of its customers and capital expenditure are in Britain, making it tricky to disentangle.

The Economist

This leaves a paper trail, making it tricky to avoid tariffs.

The Economist

He ranged widely, making it tricky to discern a common thread.

The New Yorker

The disease manifests itself in different forms, making it tricky to diagnose.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Travel is tough enough without travel firms making it trickier.

Independent

Such high-net-worth individuals are considered "sophisticated investors," exempting Citigroup from certain registration requirements and making it trickier for regulators to bring a case.

The New York Times

But intellectual disabilities are invisible, and harder to classify - making it trickier to guarantee a level playing field.

BBC

I think Mom adapted that, making it trickier so we'd quit snooping".

Huffington Post

Click here to view video In truth, Winner found it hard to escape Death Wish: its huge success made it tricky to follow up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making it tricky", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being made difficult or complicated. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overusing "making it tricky" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "complicating matters" or "rendering it difficult" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making it tricky" functions as a gerund phrase acting as part of a predicate, describing how an action or situation affects the difficulty of something. It indicates the act of causing something to become difficult or complicated, as seen in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making it tricky" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase used to describe something that complicates a situation or task. According to Ludwig, the phrase serves to explain factors that increase difficulty and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it may be more appropriate to use formal alternatives such as "complicating matters" in academic or professional settings. When using "making it tricky", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being made difficult to maximize the effectiveness of your writing. Despite its widespread use, the Ludwig AI deems the phrase correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicating matters

Highlights the act of adding complexity, shifting focus from inherent difficulty to the act of making something difficult.

rendering it difficult

Emphasizes the result of something becoming difficult, suggesting a change of state.

posing a challenge

Focuses on the presence of an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

creating obstacles

Highlights the creation of obstructions, suggesting a more active role in hindering progress.

presenting difficulties

Emphasizes the existence of problems or hardships, making it a formal alternative.

introducing complications

Focuses on the addition of complex elements.

making it problematic

Shifts the focus to the issue of something causing problems.

obstructing progress

Emphasizes the hindrance of forward movement.

hindering efforts

Highlights the act of impeding attempts or endeavors.

making it cumbersome

Focuses on the inconvenience or unwieldiness that something causes.

FAQs

How can I use "making it tricky" in a sentence?

Use "making it tricky" to describe something that complicates a situation or task. For example, "The lack of experience is making it tricky to secure the project funding".

What are some alternatives to "making it tricky"?

Consider using alternatives like "complicating matters", "rendering it difficult", or "posing a challenge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "making it tricky" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "making it tricky" might be considered informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "making it tricky" and "making it complicated"?

While similar, "making it tricky" often implies a need for clever maneuvering to overcome the difficulty, while "making it complicated" simply indicates an increase in complexity. "Complicating matters" is a valid substitute.