rather tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat difficult or complicated. Example: "The puzzle was rather tricky, requiring several hours to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something to do with a rather tricky backwards presentation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For a start, it makes calm, rational debate rather tricky.

The Economist

The thing about madness is, it's rather tricky to pin down.

The New York Times

"The electorate has dealt us a rather tricky hand," he said.

The Guardian

Not all tax expenditures are "bad" – and also comparing them across nations is rather tricky.

The Guardian - Business

"The whole story is rather tricky," said Dror Etkes, who monitors settlements for Peace Now.

The New York Times

With this kind of set up taking a panorama sounds easy but in practice it is actually rather tricky.

MIT Technology Review

Some variations are rather tricky and I make a sour face, although they are not sour in character".

The New York Times

I'm meeting Cai (pronounced Tsye) and Murdoch in the hotel, which creates a rather tricky interview dynamic.

The Guardian - Film

Of course, for a postcolonial intellectual, even one heralded as the father of modern African literature, the middle can be a rather tricky space to navigate.

The New York Times - Books

Despite the long border with India, China is Bangladesh's biggest trading partner and supplier of arms.Connecting China with Bangladesh via Myanmar is rather tricky though.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather tricky" to describe situations that require careful handling or a delicate approach. For example, "Negotiating this contract is a "rather tricky" situation."

Common error

While "rather tricky" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal documents can make your writing seem less professional. Opt for more precise terms like "challenging" or "complex" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather tricky" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig examples show it describing situations, tasks, or concepts that are not straightforward and require careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather tricky" is a common and acceptable way to describe something that is somewhat difficult or complicated. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It functions as an adjective phrase, conveying a need for careful handling or a strategic approach. While versatile, it may be replaced by more formal alternatives in certain contexts. Examples from Ludwig highlight its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Academia. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit difficult

Offers a more casual and understated expression of difficulty.

quite challenging

Emphasizes the level of difficulty involved.

kind of hard

Presents a more colloquial way of expressing difficulty.

fairly complicated

Implies a notable degree of complexity.

somewhat complex

Focuses on the intricate nature of the subject.

not so easy

Understates the difficulty, suggesting it's more than just simple.

slightly problematic

Highlights the potential for issues or complications.

moderately intricate

Suggests a balanced level of detail and complexity.

somewhat demanding

Focuses on the effort and skills required.

reasonably complex

Indicates a level of complexity that is expected or understandable.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather tricky" to describe something that is somewhat difficult or complicated. For example: "The puzzle was "rather tricky", requiring several hours to solve."

What's the difference between "rather tricky" and "very difficult"?

"Rather tricky" suggests a situation that requires finesse and careful handling, while "very difficult" simply indicates a high level of difficulty. "Rather tricky" may imply the need for a strategic approach.

What can I say instead of "rather tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "quite challenging", "somewhat complex", or "a bit difficult" depending on the context.

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

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "challenging" or "complex" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.