more tricky than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more tricky than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations, indicating that one is more challenging than the other. Example: "This puzzle is more tricky than the last one we solved together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Some questions are more tricky than others.

The New York Times

It's more tricky than it seems.

The New Yorker

And: "Karaoke is more tricky than it seems".

The New York Times - Arts

I know this stadium is a little more tricky than others.

The New York Times - Sports

And relationships didn't come much more tricky than those involved in the decoding of the structure of DNA.

The Guardian

He hoped to open his first branch before the end of last year but the food business proved more tricky than he had expected.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Establishing such a state would involve more tricky issues than can be addressed in this space.

The New York Times

Defending the cloning model, Samwer argued that entrepreneurship is a holistic endeavor — involving many more tricky pieces than just having a good idea.

TechCrunch

Imposing legislation is a longer and more tricky process than proposing guidelines, and Hainline is just one member of a large and powerful organization. .

Huffington Post

The patriarchal tenor has smooth-stepped through more tricky trend shifts than those twentysomethings can fathom.

The New York Times

His name may be a touch more tricky to pronounce than Ernie Els's but Charl Adriaan Schwartzel may yet follow in the world No2's illustrious footsteps.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more tricky than", ensure the comparison is clear and the context provides sufficient information about what makes something "tricky". For instance, specify the skills or knowledge required to navigate the situation effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "more tricky than" without specifying what the comparison is being made to. For example, instead of saying "This task is more tricky than it seems", clarify it by saying "This task is more tricky than it appears at first glance" to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more tricky than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase. It functions to compare two situations, tasks, or objects, indicating that one is more challenging or requires greater skill and cunning to handle. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more tricky than" is a versatile comparative used to express a higher degree of difficulty or complexity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common usage in News & Media and Scientific contexts. As a comparative adjective phrase, it effectively conveys that one thing requires greater skill or cleverness compared to another. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, clarifying the basis of comparison enhances its impact. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, providing alternatives like "more difficult than" or "harder than" depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more difficult than

A direct synonym replacement for "tricky", indicating a higher level of difficulty.

more complicated than

Replaces "tricky" with a synonym emphasizing complexity.

more challenging than

Replaces "tricky" with a synonym emphasizing the level of difficulty requiring effort.

more complex than

Highlights the complexity involved, making it more challenging.

harder than

A simpler, more informal way of saying something is more difficult.

more demanding than

Emphasizes the amount of effort and skill required.

more intricate than

Focuses on the detailed and complex nature of something being more challenging.

more involved than

Indicates a higher level of engagement and complexity.

more problematic than

Highlights the presence of problems and difficulties.

not as straightforward as

Uses a negative construction to convey that something is less simple or easy.

FAQs

How can I use "more tricky than" in a sentence?

Use "more tricky than" to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations. For example, "Solving this equation is "more tricky than" balancing a checkbook."

What phrases are similar to "more tricky than"?

Similar phrases include "more difficult than", "more challenging than", or simply "harder than". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it acceptable to use "more tricky than" in formal writing?

While "more tricky than" is generally acceptable, consider using a more formal alternative like "more complex than" or "more complicated than" in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "more tricky than" and "more difficult than"?

While similar, "more tricky than" often implies a need for cleverness or কৌশল to navigate a situation, whereas "more difficult than" simply indicates a greater level of effort or skill is required. They can often be used interchangeably, but the nuance may differ.