really tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

"really tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize an idea or to express that something is difficult. For example, "This algebra problem is really tricky!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's really tricky".

The New York Times

That's a really tricky road".

The New York Times

"It's really tricky," Linklater responded.

The New Yorker

It would be really tricky.

The New York Times - Arts

The logistics are really tricky.

The New Yorker

Girardi added: "Calves can be really tricky.

The New York Times - Sports

"That is really tricky," she confesses.

The Economist

"It's really tricky," Ms. Attenberg said.

The New York Times

I think Edmund's a really tricky part.

The New York Times

This is the really tricky bit.

The Guardian

These interactions are the really tricky bit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really tricky" to emphasize the difficulty of a task or situation, especially when you want to convey a sense of challenge or complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "really tricky" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "particularly difficult" or "especially challenging" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really tricky" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the adjective "tricky", indicating a heightened level of difficulty, complexity, or deceptiveness. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, confirming its role in describing challenging situations or tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "really tricky" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to emphasize the difficulty, complexity, or deceptiveness of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively communicates that a situation requires careful handling and skill. It appears frequently in neutral contexts such as news and media, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse by using synonyms like "particularly difficult" or "especially challenging" to enhance writing quality. With a source quality score of 82 and an expert rating of 4.5, "really tricky" stands as a reliable and effective phrase for conveying the challenging nature of various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly difficult

Emphasizes the exceptional level of difficulty.

especially challenging

Highlights the demanding nature of the task or situation.

quite complex

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the matter.

seriously problematic

Underscores the troublesomeness and potential issues involved.

exceptionally complicated

Stresses the high degree of complexity and intricacy.

incredibly demanding

Highlights the high requirements and effort needed.

remarkably intricate

Emphasizes the fine details and sophisticated nature.

notoriously difficult

Indicates that the difficulty is well-known or widely recognized.

decidedly awkward

Suggests a delicate or uncomfortable situation that requires careful handling.

extremely sensitive

Points to the delicate nature and the need for caution.

FAQs

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

You can use "really tricky" to describe something that is difficult to handle or solve. For example, "This math problem is "really tricky"" or "Negotiating this contract is "really tricky"".

What are some alternatives to "really tricky"?

Alternatives include "particularly difficult", "especially challenging", "quite complex", or "seriously problematic", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "very tricky" instead of "really tricky"?

Yes, "very tricky" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Both "really" and "very" are adverbs that intensify the adjective "tricky". The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

What is the difference between "tricky" and "really tricky"?

"Tricky" implies a degree of difficulty or deceptiveness. Adding "really" emphasizes the extent of the difficulty or the level of deceptiveness involved.