pretty tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat difficult or complicated. Example: "The math problem was pretty tricky, and it took me a while to figure it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's pretty tricky.

The Guardian - Sport

"The greens are pretty tricky," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I had a pretty tricky few years.

Independent

(Economix) This is a pretty tricky logic puzzle.

The Economist

"Working with stem cells is pretty tricky," Dr. Mulcahy said.

The New York Times - Science

Let's face it, without God the first two albums would have been pretty tricky, too.

The New Yorker

But getting a majority would also be pretty tricky for Trump.

The New Yorker

"We've had our fair share of pretty tricky policy issues," he concurs.

The Guardian

She said: "I played a pretty tricky opponent tonight who didn't play the typical kind of tennis.

Independent

The concept of genetic drift can be pretty tricky to understand, but sweets make it much easier.

The Guardian

"The larger and rowdier crowd means a smaller ring, which can get pretty tricky when [you're] trying to avoid becoming part of the action," she says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty tricky" to describe situations that are more complex than simply "difficult" but less daunting than "impossible".

Common error

While acceptable in many settings, "pretty tricky" might sound too informal for academic papers or high-level business reports. Opt for alternatives like "quite challenging" or "moderately complex" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

Adjective Phrase: The phrase "pretty tricky" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a moderate level of difficulty or complexity. Ludwig examples showcase its descriptive role in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty tricky" serves as a versatile adjective phrase indicating a moderate level of difficulty or complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for general use, more formal alternatives such as "quite challenging" or "moderately complex" may be preferred in academic or professional settings. Remember to use "pretty tricky" when you want to suggest something requires careful consideration but isn't impossible to manage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite challenging

Emphasizes the level of difficulty with a more formal tone.

fairly difficult

Highlights the level of complexity using different wording.

somewhat complex

Focuses on the intricate nature of the situation.

moderately challenging

Adds a degree of intensity to the level of difficulty.

rather complicated

Emphasizes the involved nature of the situation.

slightly arduous

Highlights the effort required with a more formal tone.

not a piece of cake

Uses an idiom to express the difficulty.

a bit thorny

Metaphorically describes the presence of obstacles.

demands careful handling

Focuses on the need for caution and precision.

requires finesse

Highlights the need for skillful management.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty tricky" to describe something that is somewhat difficult or complicated, like: "Solving this puzzle is "pretty tricky"".

What are some alternatives to "pretty tricky"?

Alternatives include "quite challenging", "fairly difficult", or "somewhat complex", depending on the context.

Is "pretty tricky" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "pretty tricky" is more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "moderately challenging" or "rather complicated".

What does "pretty tricky" imply about the level of difficulty?

"Pretty tricky" suggests a level of difficulty that is more than easy but not overly hard, indicating that something requires some thought or skill but is still manageable.